초록 ▼

A multiple-glazed window unit of the type which includes two or more sheets maintained in spaced relationship to each other by a spacing assembly to form an airspace wherein surfaces of the unit in contact with the airspace are subject to the accumulation thereon of moisture and/or organic contamina

A multiple-glazed window unit of the type which includes two or more sheets maintained in spaced relationship to each other by a spacing assembly to form an airspace wherein surfaces of the unit in contact with the airspace are subject to the accumulation thereon of moisture and/or organic contaminants present in the airspace is rendered self-desiccating of accumulated moisture and/or self-cleaning of accumulated organic surface contaminants by coating such surfaces with a photoelectrolytically-desiccating coating and/or a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating. Upon exposing the coatings to actinic radiation, at least a portion of the accumulated moisture is removed by photoelectrolysis and/or at least a portion of the organic contaminants are removed by photocatalytic decomposition. A desiccant may or may not be associated with the airspace to assist in maintaining a moisture-free airspace. Exterior surfaces of the unit may also be rendered self-cleaning of accumulated organic surface contaminants by coating such exterior surfaces with a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multiple-glazed window unit having at least two sheets and a means to space said sheets from one another to provide an airspace between the sheets, the improvement comprising:a photoelectrolytically-desiccating coating over at least a portion of at least one surface of

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multiple-glazed window unit having at least two sheets and a means to space said sheets from one another to provide an airspace between the sheets, the improvement comprising:a photoelectrolytically-desiccating coating over at least a portion of at least one surface of the unit exposed to the airspace and subject to the accumulation of moisture present in the airspace thereon, whereupon said photoelectrolytically-desiccating coating promotes the photoelectrolysis of said accumulated moisture into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.