Patent ID: 8402716

Claim:
A structure which comprises: at least two glass sheets; a spacer positioned and bonded between two of said at least two glass sheets about the perimeter of said at least two glass sheets, said spacer including a first contact surface, a second contact surface and a front surface facing into the space between said at least two glass sheets, said first contact surface, said second contact surface and said front surface each including a first cladding material, and said first contact surface and said second contact surface contacting, respectively, a different one of said at least two glass sheets; the spacer further comprising; an aerogel forming a cross section with at least four surfaces including the first contact surface, the second contact surface, and the front surface; one or more coatings of material on the at least four surfaces of said aerogel suitable for allowing the spacer to be formed to exact dimensions; a first sealant forming a vapor and gas barrier on a surface of said spacer facing away from said front surface; and a second sealant overlying said first sealant and of a different material than said first sealant; wherein the first sealant and the second sealant are placed around the outer perimeter of the structure.