U.S. patent application number 11/961576 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for system and method for filtering electromagnetic transmissions.
This patent application is currently assigned to ASTIC SIGNALS DEFENSES LLC. Invention is credited to Deron Simpson, Lisa Y. Winckler.
Application Number | 20080094695 11/961576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36593196 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080094695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simpson; Deron ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING ELECTROMAGNETIC TRANSMISSIONS
Abstract
A combination of filters for filtering selected wavelengths of
electromagnetic radiation is provided on a transparent substrate
such as a plastic film or glazing of a window. The combination of
filters prevents or attenuates the passage of wavelengths through
the substrate into a building, where the passage of the wavelengths
into the building could adversely affect people or machinery within
the building. The combination of filters is useful improve wireless
networks performance by blocking or attenuating undesired
electromagnetic interference, and radio frequency interference.
Inventors: |
Simpson; Deron; (Finksburg,
MD) ; Winckler; Lisa Y.; (Collinsville, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOGAN & HARTSON LLP;IP GROUP, COLUMBIA SQUARE
555 THIRTEENTH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Assignee: |
ASTIC SIGNALS DEFENSES LLC
5917 Liberty Road
Baltimore
MD
21207
CPFILMS INC.
4210 The Great Road
Fieldale
VA
24089
|
Family ID: |
36593196 |
Appl. No.: |
11/961576 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11033298 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
|
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|
11961576 |
Dec 20, 2007 |
|
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|
10445942 |
May 28, 2003 |
7177075 |
|
|
11033298 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
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60395332 |
Jul 12, 2002 |
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60383114 |
May 28, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/359 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 15/0026 20130101;
G02B 5/208 20130101; Y10T 428/24942 20150115; H05K 9/0096 20130101;
Y10S 359/90 20130101; B32B 17/10174 20130101; B32B 17/10 20130101;
B32B 17/10036 20130101; G02B 5/204 20130101; H01J 2211/446
20130101; B32B 17/10761 20130101; H05K 9/0005 20130101; B32B 17/10
20130101; B32B 2367/00 20130101; B32B 17/10005 20210101; B32B
2367/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/359 |
International
Class: |
G02B 5/20 20060101
G02B005/20 |
Claims
1. A method for reducing electromagnetic interference, and radio
frequency interference within an enclosure having transparent
areas, the method comprising the step of applying a optically
transparent filter to said transparent areas, said filter
comprising an electrically conductive metal layer, said combination
of filters being configured to prevent or attenuate the passage of
the electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference
through the transparent areas.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the filter is attached to the
transparent areas using an electrically conductive adhesive.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said electrically conductive
metal layer of the filter has at least the electrical conductivity
of aluminum.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises an IR
reflecting metal layer and one or more dielectric layers, each of
said dielectric layers having an index of refraction of
substantially 1.35 to 2.6.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein dielectric layer comprises a
metal oxide having an index of refraction of substantially 1.7-2.6
and, wherein the IR reflecting metal layer comprises silver.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said filter comprises an Ag/Ti
sputtered stack, wherein said Ag/Ti sputtered stack has a sheet
resistance less than 4 ohms/square.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said Ag/Ti sputtered stack is
made by sputter coating the following sequence of layers onto said
substrate or onto a transparent plastic sheet: 1) a layer of metal
oxide, 2) a silver IR reflecting layer, 3) a protective sacrificial
layer of titanium, 4) a layer of metal oxide, 5) a silver IR
reflecting layer, 6) a protective sacrificial layer of titanium, 7)
a metal oxide layer, 8) a silver IR reflecting layer, 9) a
protective sacrificial layer of titanium, 10) a layer of metal
oxide.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein said Ag/Ti sputtered stack is
made by coating the following sequence of layers onto said
transparent plastic sheet: 1) a layer of indium tin oxide about 30
nm thick, 2) a silver IR reflecting layer about 9 nm thick, 3) a
protective sacrificial layer of titanium about 1 nm thick, 4) a
layer of indium tin oxide about 70 nm thick, 5) a silver IR
reflecting layer about 9 nm thick, 6) a protective sacrificial
layer of titanium about 1 nm thick, 7) an indium tin oxide layer
about 70 nm thick, 8) a silver IR reflecting layer about 9 nm
thick, 9) a protective sacrificial layer of titanium about 1 nm
thick, and 10) a layer of indium tin oxide about 30 nm thick.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said filter comprises an Ag/Au
sputtered stack, wherein said Ag/Au sputtered stack has a sheet
resistance less than 4 ohms/square.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said Ag/Au sputtered stack is
made by sputter coating the following sequence of layers onto said
substrate or onto a transparent plastic sheet: 1) a layer of metal
oxide, 2) a silver IR reflecting layer, 3) a layer of gold, 4) a
layer of metal oxide, 5) a silver IR reflecting layer, 6) a layer
of gold, 7) a layer of metal oxide, 8) a silver IR reflecting
layer, 9) a gold layer, and 10) a layer of metal oxide.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said Ag/Au sputtered stack
comprises the following sequence of layers coated onto said
transparent plastic sheet: 1) a layer of indium tin oxide about 30
nm thick, 2) a silver IR reflecting layer about 9 nm thick, 3) a
layer of gold about 1 nm thick, 4) an ITO layer about 70 nm thick,
5) a silver IR reflecting layer about 9 nm thick, 6) a layer of
gold about 1 nm thick, 7) an ITO layer about 70 nm thick, 8) a
silver IR reflecting layer about 9 nm thick, 9) a gold layer about
1 nm thick, and 10) an ITO layer about 30 nm thick; and, wherein:
said second light filter comprises one or two PET films with UV
absorbers dyed therein in an amount to produce at least 2.4 optical
density absorbance in each PET film; and, wherein: said copper
layer is sandwiched between two corrosion protection metal or metal
alloy layers which protect said copper layer from corrosion.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said filter comprises a film
made by sputter coating the following sequence of layers onto a
transparent plastic film with UV absorbers dyed therein at 2.4
optical density absorbance: 1) a layer of indium tin oxide about 30
nm thick, 2) a layer of Ag/Cu alloy about 9 nm thick, 3) a layer of
indium metal about 3 nm thick, 4) a layer of titanium metal about 1
nm thick, 5) a layer of indium tin oxide about 80 nm thick, 6) a
layer of Ag/Cu alloy about 9 nm thick, 7) a layer of indium metal
about 2 nm thick, 8) a layer of titanium metal about 1 nm thick,
and 9) a layer of indium tin oxide about 30 nm thick.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a continuation of pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/033,298, filed 12 Jan. 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/445,942, filed
28 May 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,177,075), which claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Nos.
60/395,332 filed 12 Jul. 2002 and 60/383,114, filed 28 May 2002,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to a system and method for filtering
electromagnetic and visual transmissions, and for minimizing
acoustic transmissions for security purposes. More specifically,
the invention provides a system and method to prevent unauthorized
data collection and information exchange from or within buildings
(such as through windows, doorways, other fenestration, or
openings) or otherwise prevent such unauthorized data collection
and information exchange from, for example, computer monitors or
screens, personal digital assistants, and local area networks.
[0006] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0007] Electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies is radiated
from many devices used in a wide range of facilities including
homes, workplaces such as offices, manufacturing and military
installations, ships, aircraft and other structures. Examples of
such devices include computers, computer monitors, computer
keyboards, radio equipment, communication devices, etc. If this
radiation escapes from the facility, it can be intercepted and
analyzed for the purpose of deciphering data associated with or
encoded in the escaped radiation. For example, technology exists
for reconstructing the image appearing on a computer monitor in a
building from a remote location outside the building or from a
location within a building by detecting certain wavelength
frequencies from the monitor screen even if the monitor screen is
not in view from the remote location. This is accomplished by known
techniques wherein certain frequencies of light from the monitor
screen, even after being reflected from various surfaces inside the
building or room where the monitor is located, escape and are
intercepted and analyzed by an eavesdropper in another location
outside the building or room where the monitor is located.
Obviously, the ability of an eavesdropper to intercept such
radiation constitutes a significant security risk, which is
desirably eliminated from facilities where secrecy is
essential.
[0008] Although walls, such as brick, masonry block or stone walls
may effectively prevent the escape of light frequencies from a
facility, radio frequencies pass through walls that are not
properly grounded to prevent such passage. Moreover, windows or
other openings allow the passage of radiation to the outside where
it can be intercepted, and permit entry of various forms of
radiation, such as laser beams, infrared, and radio frequencies,
into the facility. As a result, sensitive or secret data may be
gathered from within the structure.
[0009] Indeed, the United States Government has long been concerned
by the fact that electronic equipment, such as computers, printers,
and electronic typewriters, give off electronic emanations. The
TEMPEST (an acronym for Transient Electromagnetic Pulse Emanation
Standard) program was created to introduce standards that would
reduce the chances of leakage of emanations from devices used to
process, transmit, or store sensitive information. This is
typically done by either designing the electronic equipment to
reduce or eliminate transient emanations, or by shielding the
equipment (or sometimes a room or entire building) with copper or
other conductive materials. Both alternatives can be extremely
expensive.
[0010] The elimination of windows and other openings from a
structure would obviously minimize the above-noted security risk.
The disadvantages of a windowless or enclosed structure, however,
are self-evident. It would be highly desirable, therefore, to
prevent the escape of radiation associated with data through
windows, doorways, or other openings while allowing other radiation
to pass there-through so that the enjoyment of the visual effects
provided by such openings can be obtained without an undue security
risk.
[0011] In addition to the security risks associated with the
passage of certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation,
acoustic transmission through a window, door or other opening also
poses a security risk. It would be of additional benefit if
transmission of both acoustic and the aforementioned
electromagnetic radiation through openings could be minimized or
avoided while preserving the visual benefits provided thereby.
[0012] The need for reducing the undesirable effects of the
sun--its heat, excessive energy usage, glare, and ultraviolet (UV)
radiation--has led to the development of solar control window
films. Solar control window films are thin polyester sheets, which
are mounted on the glass windows of buildings and automobiles via
an adhesive. It is said that such films are effective in providing
comfort, visibility, and increased energy efficiency.
[0013] In the current workplace or home environment, however, there
is a need for more protection than solar control films can provide.
For example, it is important to protect the work product of an
individual, business, or other entity from unauthorized data
collection through the glass windows or other openings of their
offices. The conventional solar control films described above are,
for the most part, incapable of rejecting the wide range of
frequencies used for such unauthorized data and information
exchange.
[0014] Given the importance of security in today's competitive
marketplace, a system that could preserve the privacy of the
workplace is very desirable. Such a system would provide both
comfort and security, which in turn can bring about many benefits,
including increased productivity and the preservation of
confidentiality in both the public and private sectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and
method for filtering electromagnetic, visual, and minimizing
acoustic transmissions by using a combination of filters which
substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the
limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The invention
further provides a system and methods whereby a combination of
films has a shielding effectiveness which attenuates the
transmission of radio frequency wavelengths there-through and
provides effective filtering of UV and IR light with good visible
light transmission (VLT) without undesirable color
characteristics.
[0016] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described, the system and methods of the present invention include
a combination of electromagnetic radiation filters, such as
selective radiation absorbers and/or selective radiation
reflectors. These may be part of a window. The system and methods
according to the invention have, however, non-exclusionary
applications; the invention can be interposed between glass
surfaces or applied to every type of glazing. The system and
methods according to the invention can also be used for free
standing product application for computer screens, monitors and
other stand-alone devices. Further, the system and methods
according to the invention may be configured to form a separate
covering, which may be placed over computer screens, monitors and
other stand-alone devices. The example of windows discussed herein
is employed for convenience and is not intended to be limiting as
to surface application.
[0017] The radiation filters of the combination may be individual
or combined layers plied to a window in any sequence so that light,
which passes through the window, passes through the radiation
filters used in the combination. The radiation filters may be
applied on any surface of the glazing (i.e., glass or other
transparent material used for windows) of the window to form a
multilayered structure of the filters on the glazing. It is not
essential for all the layers to be contiguous to each other on one
surface of the glazing. Instead, the filters may be distributed in
any manner over or in the glazing of a window so as to prevent the
passage of the wavelengths which would pose a security risk if they
were allowed to pass through the window. For example, one filter
may be on one surface of a glass pane while the remaining filters
may be distributed as a single or multilayer structure on another
surface of the glass layer (e.g., glass pane) or the filters may be
distributed on any of the surfaces of a plurality of glass layers
of a window (e.g., a multi-glazed window structure such as a double
or triple glazed window structure).
[0018] In addition, any or all of the filters may be used in
conjunction with a conventional glass interlayer such as the glass
interlayer used in conventional safety glass which comprises a
plastic interlayer such as polyvinylbutyral (PVB) interposed
between two glass layers. The filters may be incorporated in,
deposited on, or laminated to or within the interlayer in which
case the filters will be within the glazing of the window.
[0019] Each filter of the combination of filters is advantageously
in the form of an individual layer or coating, but this is not
essential. In the case of filters which are absorbers (filters
which use a particular dye, metal, metal salt or pigment to absorb
a desired wavelength or range of wavelengths), the entire
combination of absorbers or a portion of the combination may be in
the form of a mixture of dyes, metal, metal salt or pigments in a
single layer as a coating or may be incorporated in a component of
the window such as in the polyvinylbutyral interlayer used in
safety glass or in an adhesive layer used to adhere film, sheets or
the like to the glass. It is also possible to incorporate one or
more of the absorbers as a mixture in a film or sheet attached to
the window or as layers applied to or coated onto a film or sheet.
The PVB layer or the adhesive layer may include electrically
conductive particles therein in an amount to render the PVB or the
adhesive conductive.
[0020] The film or sheet may be any of the films or sheets used to
make conventional solar control films. An example of a film used
for this purpose includes, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but
others may be used as well.
[0021] When a film or sheet is used in combination with glass, it
is not essential for the entire combination of filters to be in or
on the film or sheet. For example, one or more filters may be
associated with the film or sheet as described above while any
remaining filters may be connected to the glass as described above
or vice versa. It is also possible to include a layer which
comprises a mixture of absorbers with another layer which is a
different filter to make the desired combination. For example, two
absorbers such as dyes or pigments of the combination may be used
as a mixture as two filters of the combination, and another filter
of the combination may be in the form of a distinct layer or
coating such as a metal reflecting or absorbing layer.
[0022] Moreover, it is not essential for the entire combination of
filters to be distributed on the same surface. For example, one or
more of the filters may be applied to the glazing of a window while
remaining filters may be applied to computer screens or monitors,
personal digital assistants, or other stand-alone devices.
[0023] It is also not essential for the combination of filters to
be attached to a surface of a window, computer screen or monitor,
personal digital assistant or other stand-alone device. For
example, the combination of filters may be configured to form a
separate covering, which may be soft and pliable, such as a bag. In
this embodiment the combination of filters may be advantageously
attached to a clear or transparent flexible substrate (e.g., PET
sheet or film) which may be configured into the shape of a bag.
When configured as a separate covering such as a bag, the
combination of filters may be placed over computer screens or
monitors, personal digital assistants, or other stand-alone
devices, may be easily used and removed, and preferably may be
disposable. Alternatively, the separate covering may be in the form
of a tent or sheet, thereby covering an entire workstation, such as
an outdoor or mobile workstation.
[0024] Any coatings, layers, films, sheets, lamina or the like used
in this invention may be applied to a component of the window (e.,
the glass or interlayer component) by techniques which are
conventional and well known to those skilled in the art. For
example, metal layers may be applied by conventional sputtering
techniques or evaporative coatings techniques. Any of the various
layers may be adhered to the glass by means of conventional
adhesives.
[0025] Although glass is described herein as the typical material
which is used to make a window, it is to be understood that other
clear or transparent materials which are useful for making windows
may be substituted for the glass. For example hard plastics such as
polycarbonate, plexiglass, acrylic plastic, etc., may be used as a
substitute for the glass.
[0026] In view of the above, it will be appreciated by one skilled
in the art that the required combination of filters may be
associated with the window in any manner or sequence providing they
are configured to prevent passage of the critical wavelengths
there-through for achieving the above-described security feature.
Optionally additional conventional components or layers may be
applied to the window to improve the aesthetics and/or visual
characteristics of the window or to provide additional solar
control, anti-reflection or radiant heat exclusion or safety and
security characteristics in accordance with known techniques.
[0027] The desired effect of the present invention (i.e., filtering
the passage of certain wavelengths through the window) can be
achieved with any type of light filter or light valve which
prevents the passage of the selected wavelengths. Thus, for
example, the light filters or light valves used in this invention
may be any of the absorbers described above or any other type of
light filter or light valve such as a wavelength selective
reflective layer or any combination of different types of light
filters and light valves. For example, light absorbers may be
combined with reflective layers.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the filters used in this
invention are selective with respect to the wavelengths being
filtered and thus the glazing remains sufficiently transparent for
use as a window. Sufficient transparency is achieved by allowing
visible light transmission of at least 1%, although higher visible
light transmission of at least about 25-30% is preferred, with
50%-70% being more preferred.
[0029] The combination of filters are advantageously connected to a
transparent substrate and are configured so as to exclude the
passage of the selected wavelengths there-through, such as by
absorption and/or reflection of the selected wavelengths. Thus,
uncoated or exposed areas, which would permit the passage of the
selected wavelengths, should be avoided.
[0030] Although the filters are connected to the substrate, each
filter does not have to be directly connected to the substrate. In
other words, the connection of a filter layer may be made by
connecting the filter layer to another filter layer which was
previously connected to the substrate so that one filter layer is
connected to the substrate via another filter layer. For example,
when two filter layers are located on one side of the substrate,
one filter layer is directly connected to the substrate while the
other filter layer is connected to the substrate via the first
filter layer (i.e., indirectly connected). The same applies in
instances where more than two filter layers are connected to one
side of the substrate. In other words, being connected to the
substrate in this invention is intended to cover both direct and
indirect connections. Also, when a filter is formed by mixing or
impregnating absorbents such as dyes or pigments into a component,
the filter comprised of dye and/or pigment is considered in the
context of this invention as being connected to the component.
[0031] Instead of coating the filter as a layer on the substrate,
the filter may be connected to the substrate by a lamination
process wherein a previously formed filter layer is laminated onto
the substrate either directly or indirectly.
[0032] The substrate may be the glazing of the window or may be a
flexible transparent sheet (e.g., plastic sheets such as PET) which
is then connected to the glazing. A portion of the combination of
filters may be connected to the glazing and another portion of the
combination of filters may be connected to one or more flexible
transparent sheets, which are connected to the glazing.
Alternatively the flexible transparent substrate with the
combination of filters attached thereto may be configured as a bag
to contain a computer screen or monitor, personal digital assistant
or other stand alone device placed therein. Preferably the bag is
sealed or tightly closed with the computer screen or monitor,
digital assistant or other stand alone device therein so that the
wavelengths to be filtered will not escape from the bag. The
flexible substrate with the combination of filters attached thereto
may also be configured as a tent for temporary field applications
so that personnel and the computer screen or monitor, etc., may be
inside the tent. In use the tent should cover the personnel and
equipment inside to prevent leakage of the wavelengths which are to
be filtered.
[0033] All of the filters do not have to be applied to a single
substrate. For example, in a multi-glazed window, the combination
of filters may be distributed on one or more of the glass sheets of
the glazing either as a coating or layer on the glass and on one or
more sheets connected to the glass.
[0034] At least one of the filters may be advantageously
electrically conductive to inhibit the passage of radio waves
through the window.
[0035] The substrate may include other conventional solar control
elements such as light absorbing layers, anti-reflecting layers, or
reflectors thereon.
[0036] The system and method may also be used as a
Glass-fragmentation Safety Film and, as such, may be used to
minimize flying glass fragments in real world situations. To
accomplish this objective the flexible sheet may include one or
more layers which inhibit glass fragments from becoming dangerous
flying projectiles when the window breaks due to explosion,
implosion, or due to force from a projectile. A suitable layer for
this purpose is polyester film (e.g., PET) or other flexible clear
film. For example a 7 mil thick PET film is adequate for this
purpose. The PET film may be adhered to the film containing the
combination of filters with an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive
adhesive such as a acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive or any of
the other adhesives described herein). A suitable acrylic pressure
sensitive adhesive includes Gelva 263 available from UCB Inc. which
includes 8% by weight of benzophenone type UV absorber for light
stability. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be coated at a rate
of 4 lbs. per ream coat rate.
[0037] The film used to provide glass fragmentation protection
should be located on the glass surface of a window which is in the
interior of the building to prevent glass fragments from causing
injury to occupants in the building.
[0038] The invention encompasses an improved combination of filters
which provides high visible light transmission and low electrical
resistance (less than 4 ohms/square) for enhanced attenuation of
electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhanced attenuation of
radio frequency interference (RFI) as well as effective filtering
of UV and IR light. Some embodiments of the improved combination of
filters provided by this invention are particularly useful for
shields which are applied to plasma display screens and other
display screens which emit large amounts of EMI/RFI, UV light or IR
light. The shields provide the monitor with a security feature
which is useful for preventing unauthorized surveillance of the
display screen.
[0039] The invention also provides for the selection of various
combinations of filters to customize the anti-surveillance security
features to suit a particular need. This is because the combination
of filters which affords the highest level of anti-surveillance
security typically produces light transmission characteristics
which are not aesthetically pleasing when used on a window. Not
everyone needs such a high level of security which would
necessitate compromising visual aesthetics. For many applications,
e.g., business and home use, it may be desirable to provide an
acceptable level of security for many applications without
compromising visual aesthetics.
[0040] A combination of filters for filtering selected wavelengths
of electromagnetic radiation is provided on a transparent substrate
such as a plastic film or glazing of a window. The combination of
filters prevents or attenuates the passage of wavelengths through
the substrate into a building, where the passage of the wavelengths
into the building could adversely affect people or machinery within
the building. The combination of filters is useful improve wireless
networks performance by blocking or attenuating undesired
electromagnetic interference, and radio frequency interference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a combination of three
light filters of the present invention connected to a
substrate.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention wherein two light filters of the invention are connected
to one side of the substrate and the third filter of the invention
is attached to another side of the substrate.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of
the invention which utilizes a double glazed window.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention which includes a plurality of light filters attached to
conventional safety glass.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention wherein sealant is used to cover any gaps between the
edge of a flexible sheet of the invention and a window frame.
[0047] FIGS. 6-8 are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the
invention.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of the
invention which includes a temporary release liner.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the embodiments of the
invention wherein the combination of light filters are adhered to a
window or other surface after removal of a release liner.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a graph which shows the light transmission
properties (wavelengths from 300-400 nm) of a light filter used in
the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention wherein the filter combination is embedded within PVB
layers which are interposed between multiple glass layers.
[0052] FIG. 13 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG.
12.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the
invention which employs a glass-fragmentation safety shield as a
component thereof.
[0054] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention which includes two spaced apart filter combinations.
[0055] FIG. 16. depicts the use of the film layers to prevent
unwanted emission from entering an enclosure in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0057] As noted above, the light filters may be sequenced or
distributed in any manner. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment wherein
film layers 1, 2 and 3 (which are light filters used in the present
invention) are connected to one side of substrate 4. FIG. 2
illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein film layers 1 and 2
are connected to one side of the substrate 4 while film layer 3 is
connected to the other side of substrate 4. In a further embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, the window glazing which serves as the
substrate comprises two separate spaced-apart glass sheets 5 and 6.
Film layers 1 and 2 are attached to either side of glass sheet 5
while film layer 3 is attached to glass sheet 6. Film layer 3 in
FIG. 3 may be attached to either side of sheet 6. In a further
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the substrate upon which the
films are connected may be a standard safety glass which includes
PVB interlayer 7 interposed between glass sheets 5 and 6. Film
layers 3 and 2 are connected to glass sheet 5 and film layer 1 is
connected to glass sheet 6. It is also possible to connect any or
all of film layers 1, 2 and 3 to PVB interlayer 7.
[0058] The above described versatility concerning the sequence and
distribution of a combination of three light filters used in the
present invention is also applicable to other embodiments of the
invention which use less or more than 3 light filters in the
combination.
[0059] One of the light filters of the combination may be a metal
or a metal stack comprising an electrically conductive metal layer
which is optionally interposed between two nickel/chrome alloy
layers. The electrically conductive metal layer preferably has at
least the electrical conductivity of aluminum or higher, and more
preferably has at least the electrical conductivity of copper or
higher. Most preferably the electrically conductive metal is
copper. The nickel chrome alloy is utilized to provide corrosion
protection for the electrically conductive metal and may be omitted
if the anti-corrosion benefit is not desired. Other anti-corrosion
metals or metal alloys such as stainless steel may be substituted
for one or both the nickel/chrome alloy layers. It is also possible
to provide the nickel/chrome alloy or an anti-corrosion metal or
metal alloy on only one side of the electrically conductive metal
layer. The nickel/chrome alloy layers may include a Hastelloy alloy
or an Inconel alloy, which are well known to those skilled in the
art. An example of a Hastelloy alloy includes Hastelloy C276, which
has the characteristics shown in Table 1: TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1
Chemical composition, percent by weight: C, 0.02.sup.a, Mn,
1.00.sup.a; Fe, 5.50; S, 0.03.sup.a; Si, 0.05.sup.a; Cr, 15.50; Ni,
balance; Co, 2.50.sup.a; Mo, 16.00; W, 3.75; V, 0.35.sup.a; P,
0.03.sup.a Maximum Physical constants and thermal properties
Density, lb/in..sup.3: 0.321 Coefficient of thermal expansion,
(70-200.degree. F.) in./in./.degree. F. .times. 10.sup.-6: 6.2
Modus of elasticity, psi: tension, 29.8 .times. 10.sup.6 Melting
range, .degree. F.: 2, 415-2,500Specific heat, Btu/lb/.degree. F.,
70.degree. F.: 0.102 Thermal conductivity, Btu/ft2/hr/in./.degree.
F., 70.degree. F.: 69 Electrical resistivity, ohms/cmil/ft,
70.degree. F.: 779 Heat Treatments Solution heat treat
2,100.degree. F., rapid quench. TENSILE PROPERTIES Solution Treated
2,100.degree. F., Water Quench Temperature, Y.S., psi, 0.2% Elong.,
in 2 Hardness, .degree. F. T.S., psi offset in. % Brinell 70
113,500 52,000 70 -- 400 101,700 44,100 71 -- 600 95,100 39,100 71
-- 800 93,800 33,500 75 -- 1,000 89,600 31,700 74 -- 1,200 86,900
32,900 73 -- 1,400 80,700 30,900 78 -- 1,600 63,500 29,900 92 --
1,800 39,000 27,000 127 -- Rupture Strength, 1,000 hr Solution
Treated, 2,100.degree. F., Water Quench Test Temperature, Elong.,
in 2 in., Reduction of area, .degree. F. Strength, psi % % 1,200
40,000 -- -- 1,400 18,000 -- -- 1,600 7,000 -- -- 1,800 3,100 -- --
Impact Strength Solution Treated, 2,100.degree. F., Water Quench
Test temperature, .degree. F. Type test Strength, ft-lb -320
Charpy-V- 181 notched +70 Charpy-V- 238 notched +392 Charpy-V- 239
notched
[0060] An example of an Inconel alloy includes Inconel 600 which
has the characteristics shown in table 2. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2
Chemical composition, percent by weight: C, 0.08; Mn, 0.5; Fe, 8.0;
S, 0.008; Si, 0.25; Cr, 15.5; Ni, 76.0 Cu, 0.25; Ti, 0.35; Al, 0.25
Physical constants and thermal properties Density, lb/in..sup.3:
0.304 Coefficient of thermal expansion, (70-200.degree. F.)
in./in./.degree. F. .times. 10.sup.-6: 7.4 Modulus of elasticity,
psi: tension, 30 .times. 10.sup.6; torsion, 11 .times. 10.sup.6
Poisson's ratio: 0.29 Melting range, .degree. F.: 2,470-2,575
Specific heat, Btu/lb/.degree. F., 70.degree. F.: 0.106 Thermal
conductivity, Btu/Ft.sup.2/hr/in./.degree. F., 70.degree. F.: 1
Electrical resistivity, ohms/cmil/ft, 70.degree. F.: 620 Curie
temperature, .degree. F.: annealed, -192 Permeability (70.degree.
F., 200 Oe): annealed, 1.010 Heat treatments used in annealed
condition, 1,850.degree. F./30 min. Tensile Properties Hot Rolled
Temperature, Y.S., psi, 0.2% Elong. in 2 Hardness, .degree. F.
T.S., psi Offset in. % Brinell 70 90,500 36,500 47 -- 600 90,500
31,100 46 -- 800 88,500 29,500 49 -- 1,000 84,000 28,500 47 --
1,200 65,000 26,500 39 -- 1,400 27,500 17,000 46 -- 1,600 15,000
9,000 80 -- 1,800 7,500 4,000 118 -- Rupture Strength, 1,000 hr
Solution Annealed, 2,050.degree. F./2 hr Test Temperature, Elong.,
in 2 in., Reduction of area, .degree. F. Strength, psi % % 1,500
5,600 -- -- 1,600 3,500 -- -- 1,800 1,800 -- -- 2,000 920 -- --
Creep Strength (Stress, psi, to Produce 1% Creep) Solution Annealed
2,050.degree. F./2 hr. Test Temperature, .degree. F. 10,000 hr
100,000 hr 1,300 5,000 -- 1,500 3,200 -- 1,600 2,000 -- 1,700 1,100
-- 1,800 560 -- 2,000 270 Fatigue Strength Annealed Test
temperature, .degree. F. Stress, psi Cycles to failure 70 39,000
108 Impact Strength Annealed Test temperature, .degree. F. Type
test Strength, ft-lb +70 Charpy-V-notched 180 800 Charpy-V-notched
187 1,000 Charpy-V-notched 160
[0061] Another light filter which may be used in this invention
includes a heat reflecting film. The heat reflecting film may be a
sputtered metal/oxide stack described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,901 on
a polyester (PET) film with UV absorbers dyed into it at 2.4
absorbance manufactured by the dyeing process described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,221,112. The disclosures of the aforementioned U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,007,901 and 6,221,112 are incorporated herein by reference.
Alternatively any of the heat reflecting metal/oxide stacks
described herein may be coated onto any component of window glazing
to thereby eliminate the need of a plastic film. In other words the
metal/oxide stack may be deposited onto any component of window
glazing (e.g., coated directly or indirectly onto the glass of
window glazing) without first coating the metal/oxide stack onto a
film (e.g., polyester film) and then adhering the metal/oxide
coated film onto the window glazing.
[0062] Any of the heat reflecting films which are well known to
those skilled in the art may be used in this invention. Such heat
reflecting films generally comprise multiple stacks of discrete
layers which are deposited onto a substrate such as a plastic film
or glass. Each stack has in sequence a thin film of dielectric
material (e.g., metal oxide) and a heat reflecting metal such as
silver, gold, copper or alloys thereof. Substantially transparent
conductive metal compounds (e.g., metal oxides) such as indium tin
oxide may be used as the dielectric.
[0063] The heat reflecting film may comprise in sequence: (a) a
substantially transparent substrate; (b) a first outer dielectric
layer; (c) an infrared reflecting metal layer; (d) a color
correcting metal layer comprising a metal different from the
infrared reflecting metal layer; (e) a protective metal layer
comprising a metal different from the infrared reflecting metal
layer and different from the color correcting layer; (f) one or
more subcomposite layers each comprising: (i) a subcomposite inner
dielectric layer; (ii) a subcomposite infrared reflecting metal
layer; (iii) a subcomposite color correcting metal layer comprising
a metal different from the subcomposite infrared reflecting metal
layer; and (iv) a subcomposite protective metal layer comprising a
metal different from the subcomposite infrared reflecting metal
layer and different from the subcomposite color correcting layer;
and (g) a second outer dielectric layer.
[0064] The dielectric layers are typically indium oxide, indium
zinc oxide, indium tin oxide or mixtures thereof. However other
metal oxides may be substituted for the above-mentioned oxides.
Suitable oxides for use as the dielectric layer include metal
oxides having an index of refraction in the range of 1.7-2.6. The
thickness of the outside dielectric layers is typically between
about 0.15 quarter wave optical thickness and about 1 quarter wave
optical thickness.
[0065] The infrared reflecting metal layers are typically silver,
gold, copper or alloys thereof and are laid down in a thickness of
between 7 nm and about 25 nm. The color correcting metal layers
preferably have a refractive index between about 0.6 and about 4
and an extinction coefficient for light in the visible range
between about 1.5 and about 7. The color correcting metal layers
most preferably consist essentially of indium.
[0066] The protective metal layers are made from a metal whose
oxide is substantially-optically non-absorbing, such as aluminum,
titanium, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten and
alloys thereof. The protective metal layers typically have a
thickness between about 1 nm and about 5 nm.
[0067] The heat reflecting film may also be a composite comprising
in sequence: (a) a substantially transparent substrate; (b) a first
outer dielectric layer; (c) an infrared reflecting metal layer; (d)
a color correcting metal layer comprising a metal different from
the infrared reflecting metal layer; (e) a protective metal layer
comprising a metal different from the infrared reflecting metal
layer and different from the color correcting layer; (f) a second
outer dielectric layer; and (g) a substantially transparent top
layer comprising a substantially transparent glass or polymeric
material.
[0068] The heat reflecting film may also be a composite comprising
in sequence: (a) a substantially transparent substrate; (b) a first
outer dielectric layer chosen from the group of dielectric
materials consisting of indium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium tin
oxide and mixtures thereof; (c) an infrared reflecting metal layer
comprising an alloy of silver and copper; (d) a color correcting
metal layer consisting essentially of indium; (e) a protective
metal layer comprising a metal whose oxide has a heat of formation
less than (more negative than) -100,000 cal/gm mole at 25 degree.
C.; and (f) a second outer dielectric layer chosen from the group
of dielectric materials consisting of indium oxide, indium zinc
oxide, indium tin oxide and mixtures thereof.
[0069] Preferably the various layers of the heat reflecting film
are assembled so as to transmit between about 40% and about 80% of
light within the visible spectrum (preferably 40-60%). It is also
preferable that the composites of the heat reflecting film have
reflectances of visible light less than 15%, typically between
about 5% and 15%. Finally, it is preferable that the layers of the
heat reflecting film be so assembled so that the composite
transmits and reflects visible light in "neutral colors" or
"slightly blueish or greenish" transmission colors. Transmissions
which are neutral in color are those which transmit visible light
in equal intensities throughout the visible spectrum. Light
transmitted with a slightly blueish or slightly greenish tint is
light whose components with wave lengths in the 380-580 nm range
are slightly higher in intensity than other wave lengths.
[0070] According to one embodiment the heat reflecting film
comprises in sequence: a) a substantially transparent first
substrate; (b) a first outer dielectric layer; (c) an infrared
reflecting metal layer; (d) a color correcting metal layer
comprising a metal different from the infrared reflecting metal
layer; (e) a protective metal layer comprising a metal different
from the infrared reflecting metal layer and different from the
color correcting layer; (f) a subcomposite comprising: (i) a
subcomposite inner dielectric layer; (ii) a subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer; (iii) a subcomposite color correcting metal
layer comprising a metal different from the subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer; and (iv) a subcomposite protective metal
layer comprising a metal different from the subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer and different from the subcomposite color
correcting layer; (g) a second outer dielectric layer; and (h) a
substantially transparent second substrate; wherein the heat
reflective filter transmits 40-80% of light within the visible
wavelengths (preferably 60-70%) and has a reflectance of less than
15%; and wherein the color of both transmitted and reflected light
from the heat reflecting fenestration product is either neutral or
is slightly blueish or slightly greenish in color.
[0071] In another embodiment the heat reflecting composite
comprises in sequence: (a) a substantially transparent first
substrate; (b) a first outer dielectric layer; (c) an infrared
reflecting metal layer comprising silver; (d) a color correcting
metal layer comprising a metal chosen from the group of metals
consisting of chromium, cobalt, nickel, zinc, palladium, indium,
tin, antimony, platinum, bismuth and alloys thereof; (e) a
protective metal layer comprising a metal chosen from the group of
metals consisting of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, niobium,
hafnium, tantalum, tungsten and alloys thereof; (f) a subcomposite
comprising: (i) a subcomposite inner dielectric layer; (ii) a
subcomposite infrared reflecting metal layer comprising silver;
(iii) a subcomposite color correcting metal layer comprising a
metal chosen from the group of metals consisting of chromium,
cobalt, nickel, zinc, palladium, indium, tin, antimony, platinum,
bismuth and alloys thereof; (iv) a subcomposite protective metal
layer comprising a metal chosen from the group of metals consisting
of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum,
tungsten and alloys thereof; (g) a second outer dielectric layer;
and (h) a substantially transparent second substrate disposed
contiguous with the second outer dielectric layer; wherein the
dielectric layers are chosen from the group of dielectric materials
consisting of indium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium tin oxide and
mixtures thereof; wherein the heat reflective filter transmits
40-80% of light within the visible wavelengths (preferably 60-70%)
and has a reflectance of less than 15%; wherein the color of both
transmitted and reflected light from the heat reflect substrate is
either neutral or is blue or green in color; and wherein the
composite transmits less than about 7% of the infrared energy in
light having a wavelength greater than about 1500 nm.
[0072] In another embodiment the heat reflecting film is a
composite comprising in sequence: (a) a substantially transparent
substrate; (b) a first outer dielectric layer; (c) an infrared
reflecting metal layer; (d) a color correcting metal layer
comprising a metal different from the infrared reflecting metal
layer; (e) a protective metal layer comprising a metal different
from the infrared reflecting metal layer and different from the
color correcting layer; (f) a subcomposite comprising: (i) a
subcomposite inner dielectric layer; (ii) a subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer; (iii) a subcomposite color correcting metal
layer comprising a metal different from the subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer; and (iv) a subcomposite protective metal
layer comprising a metal different from the subcomposite infrared
reflecting metal layer and different from the subcomposite color
correcting layer; and (g) a second outer dielectric layer; wherein
the combined thickness T.sub.1 of the infrared reflecting metal
layer, the color correcting metal layer and the protecting metal
layer is different than the combined thickness T.sub.2 of the
subcomposite infrared reflecting metal layer, the subcomposite
color correcting metal layer and the subcomposite protecting metal
layer, and wherein T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 are in a ratio to one
another of about 1.2.
[0073] A preferred heat reflector film for use in this invention is
made by sputter coating the following sequence of layers onto a PET
film with UV absorbers dyed into it at 2.4 absorbance: a first
layer of indium tin oxide about 30 nm thick coated on said PET
film, a first layer of silver/copper alloy about 9 nm thick (92.5
wt. % Ag and 7.5 wt. % Cu) coated on said first layer of indium tin
oxide, a layer of indium metal about 3 nm thick coated on said
first silver/copper alloy, a first layer of titanium metal about 1
nm thick coated on said indium, a layer of indium tin oxide about
80 nm thick coated on said titanium, a second layer of
silver/copper alloy about 9 nm thick (92.5 wt. % Ag and 7.5 wt. %
Cu) coated on said indium tin oxide, a layer of indium metal about
2 nm thick coated on said second silver/copper alloy, a second
layer of titanium metal about 1 nm thick coated on said 2 nm layer
of indium, and a second layer of indium tin oxide about 30 nm thick
coated on said second layer of titanium.
[0074] The layer of titanium functions as a protective sacrificial
layer which prevents oxidation of the indium metal layer during the
sputter coating of the indium tin oxide layer.
[0075] Alternatively the PET film may be eliminated and the above
sequence of layers may be coated onto a component (e.g., glass) of
window glazing.
[0076] The above preferred heat reflector has a sheet resistance
which is less than 17 ohms/square.
[0077] Some embodiments of the invention utilize the metal or metal
stack which comprises an electrically conductive metal such as
copper optionally interposed between the two nickel/chrome layers
as well as the heat reflecting sputtered metal/oxide stack.
[0078] When both of these filters are employed, they may be
replaced by a filter having the electromagnetic filtering
properties of the XIR-70 film or the XIR-75 film shown in table 3.
The XIR-70 and XIR-75 films have an IR transmission at wavelengths
between 780 nm and 2500 nm of no more than 50%, and preferably of
less than 20%, and more preferably of about 15%. XIR-70 and XIR 75
films are commercially available from Southwall Technologies.
XIR-70 film and the XIR-75 films are well known components of glass
tint used in original equipment laminated automotive glass. Table 3
shows the characteristics of this type of tinted glass and, more
particularly, table 3 shows the properties of XIR-70 film and
XIR-75 film which may be used in the present invention as part of
the overall combination of filters. An example of the XIR film may
be about 2 mil. thick; have a visible light transmittance of about
60-70%, a visible reflectance (exterior) of about 9%; a total solar
transmittance of about 46%; and a solar reflectance (exterior) of
about 22%. The surface resistance of an exemplitive XIR-70 film
used in this invention is about 6.0 ohms/square.
[0079] Preferably the XIR-70 or XIR-75 film further includes an
electrically conductive metal layer (e.g., copper or silver) to
produce a sheet resistance which is less than 4 ohms/square.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Product/ Unit Visible Light Visible Total
Solar Solar Relative Heat Ultraviolet Glass Thickness Transmittance
Reflectance Transmittance Reflectance Gain Btu's/Hr/ Blockage Type
Si (Tvis) % Exterior % (Tsol) % Exterior % Ft.sup.2 % Clear Glass 4
mil 90 9 81 8 220 30 Standard Auto 4 mil 81 8 56 6 171 55 Green
Tint Spectrally 4 mil 74 7 44 5 150 70 Absorbing Green XIR 70 5 mil
70 9 46 22 117 >99 XIR 75 5 mil 75 11 52 23 135 >99 Note: XIR
Glass construction is two plies of 2.1 mil clear glass with XIR-pvb
interlayer.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment, an improved anti-surveillance
devices and system may be obtained by replacing the aforementioned
metal stack (nickel chrome alloy/copper/nickel chrome alloy) and
the heat reflecting metal/oxide stack with a high visible light
transmission/low resistance (less than 4 ohms/square) filter in the
combination of filters.
[0081] Most broadly the high visible light transmission/low
resistance (less than 4 ohms/square) filter is a stack which is
either an IR reflecting metal layer sandwiched between two
dielectric layers or a dielectric layer sandwiched between two IR
reflecting metal layers. The above-noted stack is coated onto a
component of window glazing or onto a transparent plastic sheet
such as PET.
[0082] The dielectric of each of the dielectric layers in the
aforementioned stack has an index of refraction in the range of
about 1.35 to about 2.6. Preferably the dielectric is a metal oxide
dielectric having an index of refraction in the range of about 1.7
to about 2.6.
[0083] The above-described high visible light transmission/low
resistance (less than 4 ohms/square) filter is preferably a Ag/Ti
stack or a Ag/Au stack as described below.
[0084] The Ag/Ti stack may be a multilayered structure containing
the following sequence of layers coated (preferably sputter coated)
onto a component of window glazing or onto a transparent plastic
sheet which is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET): 1. a
layer of indium tin oxide which is preferably 30 nm thick; 2. a
silver IR reflecting layer which is preferably about 9 nm thick; 3.
a protective sacrificial layer of titanium about 1 nm thick; 4. a
layer of indium tin oxide which is preferably about 70 nm thick; 5.
a silver IR reflecting layer preferably about 9 nm thick; 6. a
protective sacrificial layer of titanium preferably about 1 nm
thick; 7. an indium tin oxide layer preferably about 70 nm thick;
8. a silver IR reflecting layer preferably about 9 nm thick; 9. a
protective sacrificial layer of titanium preferably about 1 nm
thick; and 10. a layer of indium tin oxide preferably about 30 nm
thick.
[0085] The indium tin oxide layers in the Ag/Ti stack has an index
of refraction of about 2.0. The thickness of the silver layers may
be adjusted to achieve the desired ohms per square for the
above-described multilayered structure. The above-described
multi-layered structure has a sheet resistance which is less than 4
ohms per square.
[0086] Preferably the Ag/Ti stack has a sheet resistance which is
less than 2.5 ohms/square. An Ag/Ti stack having a sheet resistance
less than 2.5 ohms/square is exemplified by a stack containing the
following sequence of layers sputtered onto a component of window
glazing or onto a transparent plastic sheet which is preferably
PET: 1. a coating of indium tin oxide about 30 nm thick; 2. a
silver IR reflecting layer which is about 11 nm thick; 3. a
protective sacrificial layer of titanium about 1 nm thick; 4. a
layer of indium tin oxide about 75 nm thick; 5. a silver IR
reflecting layer which is about 13 nm thick; 6. a protective
sacrificial layer of titanium about 1 nm thick; 7. an indium tin
oxide layer about 70 nm thick; 8. a silver IR reflecting layer
about 11 nm thick; 9. a protective sacrificial layer of titanium
about 1 nm thick; and 10. a layer of indium tin oxide which is
about 30 nm thick.
[0087] The Ag/Ti stack having the lower sheet resistance of less
than 2.5 ohms per square provides lower electrical resistance,
higher IR rejection at the 800 and above nm range with a visible
light transmission of 70%. Using the Ag/Ti stack having a sheet
resistance which is less than 2.5 ohms/square, results in a filter
which is less dark, more conductive and which provides greater IR
rejection compared to the filter containing the nickel-chrome
alloy/copper/nickel-chrome alloy layered structure with the
metal/oxide heat reflecting film.
[0088] The protective sacrificial layer of titanium will be
oxidized to TiO.sub.2 when the indium tin oxide layers are
deposited to thereby prevent the indium tin oxide layer from
oxidizing the silver.
[0089] The layers used in the Ag/Ti and Ag/Au stack may be sputter
coated using any conventional sputter coating technique.
[0090] For example the indium tin oxide layer in the Ag/Ti
sputtered stack may be sputtered in an argon and oxygen environment
and the metals in the Ag/Ti stack may be deposited in a pure argon
environment.
[0091] The above described Ag/Ti stack has a visible light
transmission (VLT) of about 65-69% T.sub.550 (i.e., percentage of
VLT measured using light having a wavelength of 550 nm).
[0092] The Ag/Au stack is also a multilayered structure coated
(preferably sputter coated) onto a component of window glazing or
onto a clear plastic sheet such as PET and preferably contains the
following sequence of layers: 1. A layer of indium tin oxide (ITO)
preferably about 30 nm thick; 2. a silver IR reflecting layer
preferably about 9 nm thick; 3. a layer of gold about 1 nm thick;
4. an ITO layer preferably about 70 nm thick; 5. a silver IR
reflecting layer preferably about 9 nm thick; 6. a layer of gold
preferably about 1 nm thick; 7. an ITO layer preferably about 70 nm
thick; 8. a silver IR reflecting layer preferably about 9 nm thick;
9. a gold layer preferably about 1 nm thick; 10. an ITO layer
preferably about 30 nm thick.
[0093] The ITO layers in the above-described Ag/Au stack have a
refractive index of about 2.0. The thickness of the silver layers
may be varied to regulate the ohms per square for the
above-described multilayered structure. The above-described
multilayered structure has a sheet resistance which is less than 4
ohms per square.
[0094] The gold layers in the Ag/Au stack serve as a protective
layer for the silver, but unlike the corresponding Ti layers in the
Ag/Ti stack, the gold layers are not oxidized.
[0095] The ITO may be sputtered in an argon and oxygen environment
while the metals may be deposited in a pure argon environment.
[0096] In both of the above described Ag/Ti and Ag/Au stacks, layer
1 (the first ITO layer) is first sputter coated onto a component of
window glazing or onto the clear plastic sheet and the remaining
layers 2-10 are sequentially sputter coated in the order indicated
above.
[0097] In both of the above described Ag/Ti and Ag/Au stacks, any
or all of the indium tin oxide layers may be substituted with any
dielectric layer having an index of refraction in the range of
about 1.35 to about 2.6, preferably a metal oxide dielectric having
an index of refraction in the range of about 1.7 to about 2.6.
[0098] Another filter which may be used in the combination of
filters is an IR absorbing filter which is a layer comprising an IR
absorbing substance such as a layer of LaB.sub.6 (lanthanum
hexaboride) or other IR absorbing material such as antimony tin
oxide. A preferred IR absorbing filter contains a combination of
LaB.sub.6 and antimony tin oxide. The IR absorbing material is
preferably in the form of nanoparticles incorporated into a coating
material such as adhesive or hardcoat material. Nanoparticles are
particles having an average particle diameter of 200 nm or less,
preferably less than 100 nm.
[0099] Examples of suitable IR absorbing filters include the IR
absorbing filters described in United States published patent
application no. U.S. Ser. No. 2002/0090507 A1 and WO 02/41041 A2,
the specifications of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0100] The IR absorbing filters described in WO 02/41041 A2 and
U.S. Ser. No. 2002/0090507 A1 are optically active film composites
which include a layer of resin binder having a thickness of less
than 6 microns and a pencil hardness of at least 2 H, preferably 3
H, and include nanoparticles of at least one metallic compound
absorbing light having a wavelength in the range of 1000-2500 nm
and nanoparticles of a second metallic compound which is an
inorganic compound and which absorbs light having a wavelength in
the range of 700-1100 nm. Preferably the composite has a visible
light transmission of at least 50% and a percent TSER of at least
35%, and more preferably has a visible light transmission of at
least 70%. For a composite having a visible light transmission in
the range of 50-60% the percent TSER may be between 50-65%.
[0101] Pencil hardness is measured according to ASTM D3363-92a.
[0102] Visible light transmission is calculated using CIE Standard
Observer (CIE 1924 1931) and D65 Daylight.
[0103] The percent TSER is the percentage total solar energy
rejection which is calculated from optical and heat rejection
properties of coated film measured on a Varian Analytical Cary 5
Spectrophotometer in accordance with ASTM E903-82, the absorption
and transmission data being analyzed using parameters described by
Perry Moon in the Journal of the Franklin Institute, Volume 230,
pp. 583-618 (1940).
[0104] Preferably one metallic compound is antimony tin oxide
(ATO), indium tin oxide (ITO), or tin oxide.
[0105] Preferably said one metallic compound is ATO and the layer
contains 30-60% by weight of ATO, preferably 50-60% by weight of
ATO.
[0106] The second compound may be modified ITO as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,807,511 and/or at least one of a metal hexaboride taken
from the lanthanum series of the periodic table. The preferred
hexaborides are La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gb, Sm, and Eu with La being the
most preferred option. The layer contains a maximum of 3% by weight
of the second metallic compound, preferably less than 2% and more
preferably between 0.5-2%.
[0107] The binder may be a thermoplastic resin such as an acrylic
resin, a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, an electron
beam curing resin, or preferably a UV curable resin which may be an
acrylate resin of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,980, or
preferably a urethane acrylate resin.
[0108] The layer of resin binder may be coated to a transparent
polymeric film substrate, preferably a polyester film which is more
preferably PET film. The infrared blocking layer forms a hardcoat
for the film substrate which is particularly advantageous and may
cut out a further processing step during composite film
manufacture. The PET film may be coated with an adhesive for fixing
the film composite to the substrate used in this invention. The PET
film and/or adhesive may include at least one UV radiation
absorbing material to block out substantially all UV radiation to
less than 1% weighted UV transmission. Weighted UV transmission is
derived from measurements made in accordance with ASTM E-424 and as
modified by the Association of Industrial Metallisers, Coaters
& Laminators (AIMCAL). The above-mentioned IR absorption filter
composites have low visible reflectivity of less than 10% and have
excellent weatherability with no loss of absorption properties and
holding color, after 1500 hours in a Weatherometer.
[0109] The IR absorbing filter may include a transparent substrate
coated with a layer of resin having a thickness of less than 6
microns and which contains nanoparticles of ATO and nanoparticles
of a second metallic compound which is an inorganic compound which
absorbs light having a wavelength in the range of 700-1100 nm and a
second transparent substrate located on the layer of resin so that
the layer of resin is sandwiched between the two substrates.
[0110] Another filter which may be used in the combination of
filters is a UV screening film. The UV screening film is
advantageously a weatherable PET UV screening film which is
preferably a PET film with UV absorbers dyed into it in an amount
to produce at least 2.4 optical density (OD) absorbance. A suitable
PET film includes the film manufactured by the dyeing process
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,112. One or two of the UV
screening films may be used in the present invention. Instead of
using a UV screening film, the UV absorbers may be incorporated
into or on a component of window glazing.
[0111] Conventional museum grade film comprises the combination of
two layers of the aforementioned UV screening film. Thus, the
museum grade film may be substituted for any of the embodiments of
this invention which include two UV screening films in the overall
combination of filters.
[0112] The museum grade film has the wavelength transmission
properties of FIG. 11. The museum grade film exhibits an increasing
percentage of light transmission beginning about 380 nanometers as
shown in FIG. 11. In one embodiment, the museum grade film exhibits
light transmission percentages for various wavelengths as shown
below in table 4. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Wavelength Light
Transmission 320 nm 0.1-0.3% 380 nm 0.4-0.5% 400 nm 3-5% 550 nm
85-88%
[0113] A film having the properties shown in FIG. 11 and in table 4
may have a percent light transmission at 320 nm and 380 nm which is
less than 1% of the transmission at 550 nm. In addition, the
percent light transmission at 480 nm may be less than 50% of the
transmission at 550 nm.
[0114] A flexible transparent sheet made in accordance with this
invention may also be used to minimize acoustic transmissions from
a building by carefully applying the film to the window with an
adhesive while making certain that no visible air bubbles are
formed between the flexible sheet and the glazing of the window.
The term "visible air bubbles" used herein means air bubbles which
are visible without any magnification (i.e., visible to the naked
eye). It has been discovered that when the transparent flexible
sheet lies over an air bubble, the flexible sheet behaves like the
diaphragm of a loudspeaker. This causes unwanted transmission of
sound waves. Avoiding these bubbles minimizes the transmission of
the sound waves through the window.
[0115] The combination of filters used in this invention should
cover the surface area of the entire window glazing or otherwise
should be configured to minimize the passage of the selected
wavelengths there-through unless the combination of filters is
being used as a bag or tent. Thus, when the filters are applied to
the glazing by adhering a flexible transparent sheet thereto, the
flexible transparent sheet having the light filters thereon should
be carefully positioned so that there are no gaps or unprotected
areas on the glazing. In an embodiment, a single transparent
flexible sheet having the filters thereon is employed to avoid
seams between the edges of the flexible sheets on the glazing of a
window. The avoidance of seams is beneficial because seams allow
leakage of the wavelengths which the present invention seeks to
avoid. This leakage through the seams occurs even when the edges of
the flexible sheets are butted against one Another and even when
the edges overlap one another.
[0116] There is also a potential for leakage of the wavelengths
around the periphery of the flexible sheet adjacent to the window
frame. Turning to FIG. 5, leakage around the periphery may be
minimized by applying an opaque electrically conductive sealant 22
around the periphery so that any gap 23 between the sheet 24 and
the window frame 25 may be masked by the sealant. Thus, the sealant
would cover any exposed portions of the glazing not covered by the
sheet. FIG. 5 illustrates sheet 24 adhered to glazing 26 of a
standard window. The sealant may be neutral curing to avoid
unwanted chemical interaction with the sheet. An example of
suitable sealant includes a silicone elastomer, such as Dow Corning
995 Silicone Structural Adhesive.
[0117] Preferably the flexible sheet is sized to avoid all gaps
between sheet 24 and window frame 25. However it is not humanly
possible to avoid all gaps between sheet 24 and window frame 25 due
to small irregularities on the edges of sheet 24 and window frame
25. Thus sheet 24 should be sized so that the entire periphery of
sheet 24 is in substantial contact with window frame 25.
Substantial contact as used herein means as much contact as is
humanly possible given the small irregularities on the edges of
sheet 24 and window frame 25.
[0118] A first combination of filters used in the present invention
comprises the above described low resistant sputtered stack (either
the Ag/Ti or the Ag/Au stack or the stacks having the sequence:
dielectric layer/IR reflecting metal layer/dielectric layer or the
sequence: IR reflecting metal layer/dielectric layer/IR reflecting
metal layer) in combination with one or two UV screening films. An
example of the first improved combination of filters is illustrated
in FIG. 6.
[0119] Turning to FIG. 6, this embodiment of the invention includes
layers 27-32. Layer 27 is an adhesive for adhesively securing the
multilayered structure to glazing of a window or to the display
screen of a plasma monitor or other type of display screen. Layer
28 is a UV screening film. Layer 29 is either the Ag/Ti or the
Ag/Au low resistance (less than 4 ohms/square, preferably less than
2.5 ohms per square) sputtered stack as described herein. Layer 30
is a laminating adhesive. Layer 31 is either a clear film or a UV
screening film. Layer 32 is an optional hardcoat layer.
[0120] The above-described first combination offers high visible
light transmission and high EMI/RFI shielding attenuation. Thus the
first combination may be applied to glazing of a window using
adhesive layer 27 or may be adhered to the display screen of a
plasma monitor or other display screen which emits large amounts of
EMI/RFI, UV or IR.
[0121] The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may be assembled using
conventional film making, coating and laminating procedures. For
example Ag/Ti stack of layer 29 is formed on film 28 by
conventional sputtering and hardcoat layer 32 is applied onto layer
31 using conventional hardcoating techniques either before or after
lamination of the remaining layers. The entire multilayered
structure is assembled into a laminate using conventional
laminating adhesives and adhesive layer 27 is applied using
conventional adhesive coating technology.
[0122] A second combination of filters comprises the
above-described Ag/Ti or the Ag/Au low resistance sputtered stack
or the stacks having the sequence: dielectric layer/IR reflecting
metal layer/dielectric layer or the sequence: IR reflecting metal
layer/dielectric layer/IR reflecting metal layer, the
above-described IR absorbing layer which preferably comprises
LaB.sub.6 and antimony tin oxide, and one or two UV screening
films. An example of the second improved combination is illustrated
in FIG. 7.
[0123] Turning to FIG. 7, this embodiment of the invention includes
layers 27-33. Layers 27-32 may be the same material as layers 27-32
of FIG. 6. Layer 33 in FIG. 7 is the aforementioned IR absorbing
layer which preferably comprises LaB.sub.6 and antimony tin
oxide.
[0124] The second combination of filters such as the combination of
filters exemplified in FIG. 7 provides improved IR rejection at the
near IR wavelength range due to the incorporation of layer 33
therein. In addition, the second combination provides high EMI/RFI
shielding attenuation and provides standard and high UV rejection.
Standard UV rejection is provided by the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and
7 wherein layer 31 is a clear film. Higher UV rejection is obtained
when layer 31 is the UV screening film in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0125] The example illustrated by FIG. 7 may be adhered to window
glazing or to a plasma display screen or other type of display
screen which emits large amounts of EMI/RFI or which emits large
amounts of UV or IR light.
[0126] The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may be assembled using the
same conventional film making, coating and laminating procedures as
described for the embodiment of FIG. 6 but which further includes
coating a layer of IR absorbing material (e.g., a layer comprising
LaB.sub.6 and antimony tin oxide) onto film 31.
[0127] A third combination of filters utilized in this invention
comprises the previously described sputtered metal or metal stack
(electrically conductive metal such as copper optionally sandwiched
between two corrosion protection layers), a heat reflecting
sputtered stack (the previously described sputtered metal/oxide
stack) and the UV screening material of layer 28 used in the
example illustrated in FIG. 6. The third improved combination of
filters is exemplified in FIG. 8 which includes the sequence of
layers 27, 28, 30, 36, 30, 37, 30, 31 and 32. Layers 27, 28, 30, 31
and 32 in FIG. 8 are the same material as the corresponding
numbered layers in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. Layer 36
is the nickel/chrome alloy-copper-nickel/chrome alloy stack
described herein. Preferably the nickel/chrome alloy is Hastelloy
C276 alloy or the Inconel 600 alloy. Specific examples of Hastelloy
C276 and Inconel 600 are described below:
[0128] Hastelloy C276 having the following mechanical properties:
UTI tensil psi: 106,000; yield psi: 43,000; elong. % 71.0; and
having the following chemical analysis as shown in Table 5:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Hastelloy C 276 Element % by weight C .004
Fe 5.31 Mo 15.42 Mn 0.48 Co 1.70 Cr 15.40 Si .02 S .004 P .005 W
3.39 V 0.16 Ni Balance
[0129] Inconel 600 having the following mechanical properties: UTI
tensil psi: 139,500; yield psi 60,900; elong. % 44.0; hardness:
Rb85; and having the following chemical analysis as shown in Table
6: TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 INCONEL 600 element % by weight C .08 Fe
8.38 Ti 0.25 Mn 0.21 Cu 0.20 Co 0.05 Cr 15.71 Si 0.30 S <.001 Al
0.28 P 0.01 Ni 74.45 Nb + Ta 0.08
[0130] Layer 37 is a heat reflecting film. The heat reflecting film
of layer 37 preferably includes a sputtered metal/oxide stack
(described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,901) on a 1 mil. clear
weatherable polyester (PET) film. The polyester film has UV
absorbers dyed into it at least 2.4 optical density absorbance. The
film may be dyed using the dyeing process described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,221,112. Other films with UV screening capability may be used
in place of the aforementioned UV screening film.
[0131] The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is assembled using the same
conventional techniques employed in making the embodiments of FIGS.
6 and 7. In particular, layer 36 is made by sputter coating the
metal stack (copper layer interposed between two nickel/chrome
alloy layers) onto a transparent plastic film such as a 1 mil PET
film. Layer 37 is formed by sputter coating the metal-oxide stack
onto a 1 mil clear weatherable PET film with UV absorbers dyed into
it to produce at least 2.4 optical density absorbance. Layers 36
and 37 along with films 28 and 31 are laminated together using the
laminating adhesive layers 30, and adhesive layer 27 is applied
using conventional adhesive coating technology. Optional hardcoat
layer 32 may be applied to film 31 using conventional hardcoat
coating techniques either before or after lamination of the
remaining layers.
[0132] Each of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 6-8 advantageously includes a temporary release liner which
covers an exposed surface of adhesive layer 27. FIG. 9 illustrates
the location of release liner 38 secured to adhesive layer 27.
Reference numeral 39 in FIG. 9 represents the various layers
located below adhesive layer 27 in the embodiments shown in FIGS.
6-8. Removal of release liner 38 exposes adhesive layer 27 and
thereby allows the combination of filters to be adhesively secured
to a desired substrate 40 such as the glazing of a window or the
screen of a computer monitor as illustrated in FIG. 10. A
mechanical fastener may be used in place of an adhesive for
securing the various embodiments of the invention to the screen of
a computer monitor.
[0133] The release liner 38 used in the various embodiments of this
invention may be any conventional release liner known to those
skilled in the art. For example, the release liner may be a 1 mil
PET film with a silicone release coating thereon. Any suitable
silicone release coating may be used, such as a tin catalyzed
silicone release which has about 10 grams per inch release
characteristic. Non-silicone release formulations may be
substituted for the silicone release layer.
[0134] The adhesive layer 27 used in the various embodiments of
this invention may be any adhesive known to those skilled in the
art for attaching a plastic sheet to glass. Pressure sensitive
adhesives are particularly suitable for this purpose. A
non-pressure sensitive adhesive which may be used is advantageously
a clear distortion free adhesive such as a functional polyester
based adhesive having siloxane functionality which provides a
strong bond to glass.
[0135] An example of a pressure sensitive adhesive includes an
acrylic solvent based pressure sensitive adhesive which is applied
at about 10 lb./ream coat weight. The pressure sensitive adhesive
of layer 27 may include 4% by weight of a UV absorber such as a
benzotriazole UV absorber. Such a pressure sensitive adhesive is
commercially available as National Starch 80-1057. Other adhesives
or adhesive types may be substituted for the PSA adhesive as can
other types of UV absorbers. It should be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art that these UV absorbers function as
stabilizers, and may be added to the present invention to protect
the adhesive from deterioration (e.g., deterioration caused by
sunlight). These stabilizers, however, are not required to practice
the invention.
[0136] The adhesive layer such as layer 27 may be omitted if the
combination of filters is in the form of a flexible bag or a
tent.
[0137] Layer 28 used in the various embodiments of this invention
is a weatherable PET UV screening film which is preferably a PET
film with UV absorbers dyed into it at least 2.4 optical density
(OD) absorbance. A suitable PET film for layer 28 includes the film
manufactured by the dyeing process described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,221,112. Other films with similar UV screening capability may be
substituted for the above-described film used in layer 28.
[0138] The thickness of the PET film used to make layer 28 may be
varied. For example, the film used in layer 28 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is
desirably 1 mil thick to provide sufficient support for other
layers used in the overall structure. The thickness of layer 28 in
FIG. 8 may be 0.5 mil thick.
[0139] The low resistance sputtered stack of layer 29 used in the
various embodiments of this invention may be either the Ag/Ti or
the Ag/Au stack as described herein or a similar configuration on a
PET clear substrate. The low resistance stack provides higher
visible light transmission.
[0140] The laminating adhesive layer 30 used in the various
embodiments of the invention may be any conventional laminating
adhesive including pressure sensitive adhesives known to those
skilled in the art of the technological area of this invention. A
useful laminating adhesive includes any conventional polyester
adhesive with an isocyanate cross-linker added thereto. An example
of such a laminating adhesive is Rohm and Haas' Adcote 76R36
adhesive with catalyst 9H1H. The adhesive may be applied at 1-1.5
lb. per ream coat weight. Other laminating adhesives may be
substituted for the above-noted polyester-type adhesive.
[0141] Layer 31 used in the various embodiments of this invention
is a clear plastic film such as clear PET which is optionally
provided with a UV screening capability as described above with
respect to layer 28. Thus, the clear PET layer 31 is preferably a
clear PET film which optionally has UV absorbers dyed into it at
least 2.4 OD absorbance. The thickness of the PET film used in
layer 31 may be varied. For example, the PET film used in layer 31
of FIGS. 6 and 8 may be 0.5 mil thick. The PET of layer 31 in FIG.
7 may be 0.5 or 1 mil thick. Also, layer 31 in FIG. 8 is clear PET
film without UV absorbers dyed into it. The PET of layer 31 in
FIGS. 6 and 7 may be either the clear PET without the UV absorbers
dyed into it or may be the clear PET with UV absorbers dyed into it
at least 2.4 OD absorbance. The "2.4 absorbance" referred to herein
is measured at 358 nm wavelength.
[0142] The hardcoat layer 32 used in the various embodiments of
this invention may be formed from any of the hardcoat materials
described herein or from any other conventional hardcoat material.
Layer 32 used in the various embodiments of this invention is
preferably 1-2 microns thick. The hardcoat is used to protect the
combination of filters from damage and therefore the hardcoat may
be omitted when the combination of filters is in a protected area
where damage is not likely to occur. A suitable hardcoat
composition includes the hardcoat described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,557,980; the specification of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0143] Layer 33 used in the various embodiments of this invention
is the aforementioned IR absorbing layer which preferably comprises
LaB.sub.6 and antimony tin oxide as a coating or film.
[0144] Layer 36 used in the various embodiments of this invention
may be a 1 mil PET film or a functionally equivalent plastic film
with a sputtered heat reflecting-conductive metal stack coating
made up of a copper layer interposed between two nickel/chrome
alloy layers. Layer 36 has a visible light transmission of about
35%. The nickel/chrome alloy layers are preferably Hastelloy C276
or Inconel 600. Layer 36 which includes the film with the metal
stack deposited thereon, preferably has a sheet resistance which is
less than 8 ohms per square.
[0145] Layer 37 used in the various embodiments of this invention
is a heat reflecting film which preferably includes the
above-described sputtered metal/oxide stack (described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,007,901) on a 1 mil clear weatherable polyester (PET) film.
The polyester film has UV absorbers dyed into it at at least 2.4 OD
UV absorbance (2.4 OD UV absorbing PET). The film may be dyed using
the dyeing process described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,112. Other
films with similar UV screening capability may be used in place of
the aforementioned UV screening film.
[0146] According to a preferred embodiment, two spaced apart filter
combinations are utilized in combination with a window glazing unit
to provide enhanced security. For example, a film comprising a
combination of filters may be adhered to each side of a glazing
unit (e.g., glass or plastic glazing) or one film comprising a
combination of filters may be adhered to each of two spaced apart
transparent sheets of a glazing unit. Alternatively, two spaced
apart films each of which comprises a combination of filters may be
spaced apart within the space located between two spaced apart
transparent sheets of a glazing unit.
[0147] In a preferred embodiment of the spaced apart filter
combinations, each of the filter combinations are embedded.
(preferably completely embedded) within a PVB interlayer of a
glazing unit which includes at least one PVB layer interposed
between two transparent sheets of glazing material (e.g., glass or
plastic). More preferably one filter combination is embedded in a
first PVB interlayer and another filter combination is embedded in
a second PVB interlayer spaced apart from the first PVB interlayer.
An example of this more preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0148] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 includes front and rear
surfaces 49 and 50, glass layers 41, 42 and 43 with PVB interlayer
44 interposed between glass layers 41 and 42 and PVB interlayer 45
interposed between glass layers 42 and 43. The PVB layers 44 and 45
fill the gap between the glass sheets and include films 47 and 48
embedded therein. Films 47 and 48 comprise any of the
above-described filter combinations as a component thereof.
Preferably each edge 46 of films 47 and 48 lie within the PVB so
that the edges are not exposed to water, oxygen or other corrosive
or harmful environmental conditions. The edges, being embedded
within the PVB interlayer, thereby produce a "picture frame"
configuration as shown in FIG. 13 wherein the edge 46 of film 47
(and likewise edge 46 of film 48) is spaced apart from the edge 51
of the entire structure.
[0149] The PVB layers are conventionally used in window
manufacturing and serve to adhere the glass sheets to form a
laminate which functions as a safety glass. The PVB layers used in
this invention may be substituted with other similar plastic
laminating layers such as polyurethane. The preferred glass layers
may be substituted with other window glazing materials such as
polycarbonate and polyacrylics. Thus the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 12 may use alternating layers of glass, polycarbonate and
polyacrylic instead of the three glass layers.
[0150] Another embodiment of the invention which utilizes two
spaced apart filter combinations is illustrated in FIG. 15. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is glazing for a window and includes
therein two spaced apart films 47 and 48 which comprise any of the
filter combinations described herein. Layer 54 adhesively secures
film 47 to film 48. Layer 54 may be a conventional safety glass
interlayer such as PVB or the like. Alternatively layer 54 may be
an adhesive layer. An adhesive layer is advantageously used in
place of the PVB for layer 54 in situations where the spacing
between films 47 and 48 is smaller than the smallest spacing which
would be permitted when PVB is used to adhesively secure films 47
and 48. This is because PVB generally requires a relatively thick
application to form layer 54 whereas adhesives can be applied in
thin layers to produce a narrow spacing between films 47 and 48 and
the thickness of the adhesive can be adjusted to regulate the
spacing.
[0151] The PVB or adhesive of interlayer 54 may be electrically
conductive. Electrical conductivity may be achieved by any known
technique such as by the incorporation of electrically conductive
particles therein.
[0152] The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 also includes conventional
interlayers 55 and 56 made of PVB or the like and glass sheets 57
and 58 on the outer surfaces thereof.
[0153] FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of the invention which
includes a glass substrate connected to any of the filter
combinations of the invention with a glass fragmentation safety
film adhered thereto. In FIG. 14 reference numeral 52 represents
the combination of a glass substrate connected to any of the filter
combinations of the invention and reference numeral 53 represents a
flexible plastic film such as PET film adhesively secured to the
combination 52.
[0154] The embodiments described herein include instances where the
filters or combination of filters are applied onto a film such as a
plastic film which in turn is adhered to window glazing. However it
is within the scope of this invention to omit the film or films
used for any filter or combination of filters and apply the filter
or combination of filters onto or within a component of window
glazing.
[0155] As described above, the present invention provides various
combinations of films layers, such as layers 1, 2 and 3, in order
to accomplish desired selective filtering of various bands of
electromagnetic radiation. Specifically, it can be seen that
embodiments of the present invention provides a combination of two
or more filters connected to a substrate, such as glass, to block
the passage of selected bands of electromagnetic radiation. In
other words, the films layer combinations disclosed in the present
invention have a particular desired function of preventing unwanted
electromagnetic emissions from exiting an enclosure while still
allowing the passage of certain desired electromagnetic radiations.
As previously described, the disclosed film combinations have
particular application in anti-surveillance security for preventing
or attenuating the passage of electromagnetic wavelengths which
pose a security risk. Thus, a building may be secure from
surveillance while still allowing natural light and other desired
wavelengths to enter or exit the building. Furthermore, an existing
building may be retrofitted through the use of specialized films
layer combinations to make the existing building more secure
against surveillance without requiring extensive reconfiguration,
such as the removal of windows and other radiation portals.
[0156] In another embodiment of the present invention, a film
having a combination of filtering layers may be used to selectively
control the entrance of types of radiation into an enclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 16, a filtering film 61 is applied to a
building 60 using various techniques. For example, as described
above, the filtering film 61 may be applied as needed using
specialized conductive glazing or other adhesives to the glass
surfaces of the building 60. The filtering film 61 comprises a
combination of layers, such as those described above in FIG. 1-15
and the associated text, where the layers of the filtering film 61
are chosen as needed to block the entrance of undesired types of
radiations into the building 60.
[0157] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
filtering film 61 is a combination of two or more filters connected
to a substrate, such as glass. One of the filters screens UV light.
Another filter in the combination generally has (1) a heat
reflecting component and an electrically conductive metal
component, (2) a component having an IR transmission at wavelengths
between 780 nm and 2500 nm of no more than 50%, or (c) a component
which has a sheet resistance of less than 4 ohms per square and
comprises a sequence of layers. These layers generally include a
combination of dielectric layer and IR reflecting metal layers
wherein the dielectric of each dielectric layer has an index of
refraction in the range of about 1.35 to 2.6. In this way, the
filtering film blocks or attenuates UV, IR and radiowave
radiation.
[0158] Referring again to FIG. 16, the filtering film 61 may be
adapted as needed to prevent the entrance of unwanted man-made
radiation 62 such as radio waves from a transmission source 63 and
to prevent the entrance of unwanted ambient radiation 64 from a
natural source such as the sun.
[0159] The blocking or attenuation of unwanted radiations 62 and 64
is very desirable. From a general public health standpoint, the
blocking or attenuation of the unwanted radiations 62 and 64
protects workers and occupants of the building 60 from maladies
associated with exposure to the unwanted radiations. This
consideration is becoming more important in newer constructions
methods, such as "green architecture." A green building places a
high priority on health, environmental and resource conservation
performance over its life-cycle. Green design emphasizes a number
of new environmental, resource and occupant health concerns
including reducing human exposure to noxious materials and
conserving energy. To achieve these goals, green buildings are
typically more open to the environment, such as using increased
window surface areas to achieve greater ambient lighting and
heating, as well as to create a more pleasant interior environment.
While the new construction methods allow greater entrance of
desired radiation, the exposure of occupants in the building 60 to
unwanted radiation 62 and 64 also increase as well, thereby posing
potential exposure-related health risks to these occupants.
[0160] There are also practical considerations for preventing
unwanted radiations 62 and 64 from entering the building 60 because
these unwanted radiations 62 and 64 have harmful effects to the
building 60 and the equipment contained in the building 60. For
example, wireless computer networks using radio waves are
increasingly common, and the functioning of these networks is
adversely effected by the unwanted RFI in the unwanted radiations
62 and 64. Similarly, other bands of radiation, such as UV energy
have adverse effects on equipment in building 60.
[0161] As disclosed above, the various combinations of the films
disclosed in the present invention may be used in the filtering
film 61 as needed to block or attenuate the unwanted radiations 62
and 64 while still allowing the transmission of visible light and
other desired radiation, such as needed to accomplish desired
benefits of the green architecture. Where needed, the composition
of the filtering film 61 and the connection method of the filtering
film 61 to the building 60 may be adjusted as described herein to
selectively admit various desired radiation bandwidths.
[0162] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this
detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
Many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *