Insulating glass units and techniques for manufacturing insulating glass units are described. In some examples, a manufacturing technique involves filling a between-pane space located between a first glass pane and a second glass pane of an insulating glass unit with an insulative gas to ambient pressure at the location where the insulating glass unit is manufactured. The insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulative gas to be adjusted (increased and/or decreased) after initial fabrication of the insulating glass unit. For example, the insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulating gas to be adjusted from ambient pressure at the location of manufacture to a different ambient pressure corresponding to an elevation where the insulating glass unit is intended to be delivered and installed in a building.
Insulating glass units and techniques for manufacturing insulating glass units are described. In some examples, a manufacturing technique involves filling a between-pane space located between a first glass pane and a second glass pane of an insulating glass unit with an insulative gas to ambient pressure at the location where the insulating glass unit is manufactured. The insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulative gas to be adjusted (increased and/or decreased) after initial fabrication of the insulating glass unit. For example, the insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulating gas to be adjusted from ambient pressure at the location of manufacture to a different ambient pressure corresponding to an elevation where the insulating glass unit is intended to be delivered and installed in a building.
Insulating glass units and techniques for manufacturing insulating glass units are described. In some examples, a manufacturing technique involves filling a between-pane space located between a first glass pane and a second glass pane of an insulating glass unit with an insulative gas to ambient pressure at the location where the insulating glass unit is manufactured. The insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulative gas to be adjusted (increased and/or decreased) after initial fabrication of the insulating glass unit. For example, the insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulating gas to be adjusted from ambient pressure at the location of manufacture to a different ambient pressure corresponding to an elevation where the insulating glass unit is intended to be delivered and installed in a building.
Insulating glass units and techniques for manufacturing insulating glass units are described. In some examples, a manufacturing technique involves filling a between-pane space located between a first glass pane and a second glass pane of an insulating glass unit with an insulative gas to ambient pressure at the location where the insulating glass unit is manufactured. The insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulative gas to be adjusted (increased and/or decreased) after initial fabrication of the insulating glass unit. For example, the insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulating gas to be adjusted from ambient pressure at the location of manufacture to a different ambient pressure corresponding to an elevation where the insulating glass unit is intended to be delivered and installed in a building.
The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm, at least one sealant applicator, or both. The systems and methods are configured to process spacers for multiple-pane IG units. In some embodiments, the systems include an IG unit assembly line, a spacer conveyor system, or both.
A shuttle system for transferring glass sheets between multiple conveyor lines. At least two conveyor lines are located crosswise from one another and the shuttle system transfers at least one glass sheet from a first conveyor line to the second conveyor line while the first conveyor line remains operational. A top surface of the glass sheet remains untouched during the conveyance.
B65G 47/57 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from inclined or vertical conveyor sections for articles
7.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH SHUNT FOR PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURE
A switchable glazing can include an electrically controllable optically active material controllable to vary the visibility through the glazing structure. The switchable glazing can be movable relative to a surrounding frame, such as when implemented as a door or window. In some examples, the glazing can include a plurality of electrical connectors that can electrically connect to corresponding electrical connectors in the frame when the glazing is moved to a first position and electrically disconnect when the glazing is moved to a second position. Upon disconnecting, electrical connectors associated with the glazing can electrically connect with each other, shorting the electrically controllable optically active material. This can remove the potential energy otherwise stored in the material for increased safety and/or enhanced optics.
A multilayer glass panel may be cut using a laser cutting technique. In some examples, the technique involves directing a laser beam into to panel to form a separation line. The separation line includes a plurality of spaced-apart defect columns extending at least partially through a first glass substrate but not through a second glass substrate. The plurality of spaced-apart defect columns each include a plurality of spaced-apart filamentation flaws. The example method can also involve separating a portion of the first glass substrate from the second glass substrate along the separation line to thereby configure the multilayer panel with a shelf defined by a portion of the second glass substrate extending outwardly from the separation line.
B23K 26/53 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece for modifying or reforming the material inside the workpiece, e.g. for producing break initiation cracks
B23K 26/40 - Removing material taking account of the properties of the material involved
B23K 26/55 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece for creating voids inside the workpiece, e.g. for forming flow passages or flow patterns
B23K 26/57 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece the laser beam entering a face of the workpiece from which it is transmitted through the workpiece material to work on a different workpiece face, e.g. for effecting removal, fusion splicing, modifying or reforming
9.
LASER CUT GLASS SHEETS FOR ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE OPTICALLY ACTIVE STRUCTURES
A multilayer glass panel may be cut using a laser cutting technique. In some examples, the technique involves directing a laser beam into to panel to form a separation line. The separation line includes a plurality of spaced-apart defect columns extending at least partially through a first glass substrate but not through a second glass substrate. The plurality of spaced-apart defect columns each include a plurality of spaced-apart filamentation flaws. The example method can also involve separating a portion of the first glass substrate from the second glass substrate along the separation line to thereby configure the multilayer panel with a shelf defined by a portion of the second glass substrate extending outwardly from the separation line.
C03B 33/02 - Cutting or splitting sheet glassApparatus or machines therefor
B23K 26/0622 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam by shaping pulses
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
B23K 26/351 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring for trimming or tuning of electrical components
B23K 26/359 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring for surface treatment by providing a line or line pattern, e.g. a dotted break initiation line
B23K 26/361 - Removing material for deburring or mechanical trimming
B23K 26/364 - Laser etching for making a groove or trench, e.g. for scribing a break initiation groove
B23K 26/53 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece for modifying or reforming the material inside the workpiece, e.g. for producing break initiation cracks
C03B 33/07 - Cutting armoured or laminated glass products
An electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure and indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a first time and at a second time later than the first time. In response to detecting a change in the electrical characteristic indicating a change in the health of the privacy glazing structure, one or more parameters of an electrical drive signal can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. The electrical characteristic can be measured at a plurality of times after the second time and compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. If, at any of the plurality of times, the measured electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic measured at the first time by more than a threshold amount, one or more parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G01R 31/52 - Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults
A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/1516 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.
An electrical driver can be used to provide electrical drive signals to a first and second electrically controllable optical privacy glazing structures. A first electrical drive signal can be applied to the first privacy glazing structure and a second electrical drive signal can be applied to the second privacy glazing structure. Applying the first and second electrical drive signal can comprise temporally staggering delivery of the first and second electrical drive signals such that a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the first privacy glazing structure is temporally offset from a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the second privacy glazing structure. Staggering can include delaying the application of one electrical drive signal relative to the other, phase shifting one electrical drive signal relative to the other, or a combination thereof.
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
16.
PRIVACY GLAZING SYSTEM WITH DISCRETE ELECTRICAL DRIVER
A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
B32B 17/00 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
18.
A GLASS TEMPERING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF EDGE QUALITY
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
21.
SELF-CORRECTING VERTICAL FLATNESS IN A GLASS TEMPERING SYSTEM
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
C03B 27/052 - Tempering glass products using gas for flat or bent glass sheets being in a vertical position
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
C03B 27/012 - Tempering glass products by heat treatment, e.g. for crystallisationHeat treatment of glass products before tempering by cooling
22.
SELF-CORRECTING HAZE PARAMETERS IN A GLASS TEMPERING SYSTEM
This disclosure is directed to techniques for utilizing various sensors and models to evaluate glass as it progresses through the tempering process in order to ensure that the tempered glass is of a proper quality. If, according to any of the various sensor measurements, the tempered glass is not of a proper quality, the system may automatically adjust one or more settings in any of the various components of the system in order to bring future panes of tempered glass back to having the proper quality. The system can measure for any number of glass characteristics or system characteristics, including edge quality, vertical flatness, haze, washing process variables, thermal imaging, distortion, blower information, production data, and furnace process data.
Electrically dynamic window structure with ultralow power consumption comprising a liquid crystal material that can switch between first and second optical transition states
An electrically dynamic window structure may include first and second panes of transparent material and an electrically controllable optically active material positioned between the two panes. A driver can be electrically connected to electrode layers carried by the two panes. The driver may be configured to alternate between a drive phase in which a drive signal is applied to the electrode layers and an idle phase in which the drive signal is not applied to the electrode layers. The electrically controllable optically active material can maintain its transition state during the idle phase. As a result, the power consumption of the structure may be reduced as compared to if the driver continuously delivers the drive signal.
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
25.
Masking removal machines, and methods of masking removal
Machines are provided for removing masking from regions of glazing panes. Also provided are methods of removing masking from regions of glazing panes. The machines can include a head assembly and a processing station. The head assembly can have various combinations and/or configurations of features, including one or more of a plurality of cutters, a plurality of belts, and at least one pressurized gas nozzle.
B65H 29/56 - Article strippers, e.g. for stripping from advancing elements for stripping from elements of machines
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
26.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING ONE OR MORE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES
An electrical response of a privacy glazing structure to an applied electrical sensing pulse can be measured, and one or more parameters of the privacy glazing structure can be characterized. The one or more parameters can be used to load one or more drive parameters for subsequent use in an electrical drive signal used to operate the privacy glazing structure. If an electrical drive signal is already in place, the characterized one or more parameters can be compared to one or more parameters characterized at a previous time. If the one or more characterized parameters are different from those characterized at the previous time by more than a threshold amount, one or more drive parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted to a new value.
A power transfer assembly includes a window balance assembly, a pivot bar, and an electrically conductive pathway. The window balance assembly includes a first portion configured to be fixed in place and a second portion configured to be movable relative to the first portion. The pivot bar is conductively coupled to the second portion of the window balance assembly. And, the electrically conductive pathway extends between the window balance assembly and the pivot bar.
A power transfer assembly includes a window balance assembly, a pivot bar, and an electrically conductive pathway. The window balance assembly includes a first portion configured to be fixed in place and a second portion configured to be movable relative to the first portion. The pivot bar is conductively coupled to the second portion of the window balance assembly. And, the electrically conductive pathway extends between the window balance assembly and the pivot bar.
E05D 11/00 - Additional features or accessories of hinges
E05D 13/00 - Accessories for sliding or lifting wings, e.g. pulleys, safety catches
E05D 15/16 - Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane
E05D 15/48 - Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements
29.
Electrically controllable privacy glazing with ultralow power consumption comprising a liquid crystal material having a light transmittance that varies in response to application of an electric field
An electrically dynamic window structure may include first and second panes of transparent material and an electrically controllable optically active material positioned between the two panes. A driver can be electrically connected to electrode layers carried by the two panes. The driver may be configured to alternate between a drive phase in which a drive signal is applied to the electrode layers and an idle phase in which the drive signal is not applied to the electrode layers. The electrically controllable optically active material can maintain its transition state during the idle phase. As a result, the power consumption of the structure may be reduced as compared to if the driver continuously delivers the drive signal.
A switchable glazing can include an electrically controllable optically active material controllable to vary the visibility through the glazing structure. The switchable glazing can be movable relative to a surrounding frame, such as when implemented as a door or window. In some examples, the glazing can include a plurality of electrical connectors that can electrically connect to corresponding electrical connectors in the frame when the glazing is moved to a first position and electrically disconnect when the glazing is moved to a second position. Upon disconnecting, electrical connectors associated with the glazing can electrically connect with each other, shorting the electrically controllable optically active material. This can remove the potential energy otherwise stored in the material for increased safety and/or enhanced optics.
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/1345 - Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
31.
Privacy glazing system with discrete electrical driver
A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
B32B 17/00 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
C03C 17/00 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
An electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure and indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a first time and at a second time later than the first time. In response to detecting a change in the electrical characteristic indicating a change in the health of the privacy glazing structure, one or more parameters of an electrical drive signal can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. The electrical characteristic can be measured at a plurality of times after the second time and compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. If, at any of the plurality of times, the measured electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic measured at the first time by more than a threshold amount, one or more parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
An electrical driver can be used to provide electrical drive signals to a first and second electrically controllable optical privacy glazing structures. A first electrical drive signal can be applied to the first privacy glazing structure and a second electrical drive signal can be applied to the second privacy glazing structure. Applying the first and second electrical drive signal can comprise temporally staggering delivery of the first and second electrical drive signals such that a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the first privacy glazing structure is temporally offset from a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the second privacy glazing structure. Staggering can include delaying the application of one electrical drive signal relative to the other, phase shifting one electrical drive signal relative to the other, or a combination thereof.
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
35.
POWER TRANSFER HINGE FOR PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURE
A hinge assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, a rotatable pin coupling, and a power transfer conduit. The rotatable pin coupling rotationally couples the second arm to the first arm. The first arm defines a first portion of a channel, the second arm defines a second portion of the channel, and rotatable pin coupling defines a third portion of the channel. The power transfer conduit extends through the first portion of the channel at the first arm, the third portion of the channel at the rotatable pin coupling, and the second portion of the channel at the second arm.
A hinge assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, a rotatable pin coupling, and a power transfer conduit. The rotatable pin coupling rotationally couples the second arm to the first arm. The first arm defines a first portion of a channel, the second arm defines a second portion of the channel, and rotatable pin coupling defines a third portion of the channel. The power transfer conduit extends through the first portion of the channel at the first arm, the third portion of the channel at the rotatable pin coupling, and the second portion of the channel at the second arm.
The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
39.
Privacy glazing structure with asymetrical pane offsets for electrical connection configurations
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned.
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
The invention provides systems and methods for robotically stacking sheets. The systems and methods involve a robot arm and a conveyor line. The robot arm has attached thereto a suction frame. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve first and second robot arms. In such embodiments, the system and method facilitate and involve a sequentially alternating unloading operation such that the system has a first position in which the first robot arm is elevated and has the first suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the second robot arm is lowered and has the second suction frame unloaded and the system has a second position in which the second robot arm is elevated and has the second suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the first robot arm is lowered and has the first suction frame unloaded.
B65G 49/06 - Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/1516 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
42.
STAGGERED DRIVING ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF A PLURALITY OF ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES
An electrical driver can be used to provide electrical drive signals to a first and second electrically controllable optical privacy glazing structures. A first electrical drive signal can be applied to the first privacy glazing structure and a second electrical drive signal can be applied to the second privacy glazing structure. Applying the first and second electrical drive signal can comprise temporally staggering delivery of the first and second electrical drive signals such that a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the first privacy glazing structure is temporally offset from a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the second privacy glazing structure. Staggering can include delaying the application of one electrical drive signal relative to the other, phase shifting one electrical drive signal relative to the other, or a combination thereof.
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
43.
LEAKAGE CURRENT DETECTION AND CONTROL FOR ONE OR MORE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES
An electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure and indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a first time and at a second time later than the first time. In response to detecting a change in the electrical characteristic indicating a change in the health of the privacy glazing structure, one or more parameters of an electrical drive signal can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. The electrical characteristic can be measured at a plurality of times after the second time and compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. If, at any of the plurality of times, the measured electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic measured at the first time by more than a threshold amount, one or more parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
44.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING ONE OR MORE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES
An electrical response of a privacy glazing structure to an applied electrical sensing pulse can be measured, and one or more parameters of the privacy glazing structure can be characterized. The one or more parameters can be used to load one or more drive parameters for subsequent use in an electrical drive signal used to operate the privacy glazing structure. If an electrical drive signal is already in place, the characterized one or more parameters can be compared to one or more parameters characterized at a previous time. If the one or more characterized parameters are different from those characterized at the previous time by more than a threshold amount, one or more drive parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted to a new value.
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
45.
Staggered driving electrical control of a plurality of electrically controllable privacy glazing structures
An electrical driver can be used to provide electrical drive signals to a first and second electrically controllable optical privacy glazing structures. A first electrical drive signal can be applied to the first privacy glazing structure and a second electrical drive signal can be applied to the second privacy glazing structure. Applying the first and second electrical drive signal can comprise temporally staggering delivery of the first and second electrical drive signals such that a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the first privacy glazing structure is temporally offset from a peak power draw and/or a peak current draw from the second privacy glazing structure. Staggering can include delaying the application of one electrical drive signal relative to the other, phase shifting one electrical drive signal relative to the other, or a combination thereof.
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
46.
Leakage current detection and control for one or more electrically controllable privacy glazing structures
An electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure and indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a first time and at a second time later than the first time. In response to detecting a change in the electrical characteristic indicating a change in the health of the privacy glazing structure, one or more parameters of an electrical drive signal can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. The electrical characteristic can be measured at a plurality of times after the second time and compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. If, at any of the plurality of times, the measured electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic measured at the first time by more than a threshold amount, one or more parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
An electrical response of a privacy glazing structure to an applied electrical sensing pulse can be measured, and one or more parameters of the privacy glazing structure can be characterized. The one or more parameters can be used to load one or more drive parameters for subsequent use in an electrical drive signal used to operate the privacy glazing structure. If an electrical drive signal is already in place, the characterized one or more parameters can be compared to one or more parameters characterized at a previous time. If the one or more characterized parameters are different from those characterized at the previous time by more than a threshold amount, one or more drive parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted to a new value.
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
C03C 17/00 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
A driver may be used to drive an electrically controllable optically active material in a privacy structure. In some examples, the driver receives power from a power source at a supply voltage and a supply apparent power level and converts the power received from the power source down to a converted voltage and a converted apparent power level. The converted voltage is less than the supply voltage and the converted apparent power level is less than the supply apparent power level. The driver may deliver power at the converted voltage and the converted apparent power level to a voltage convertor, which increase the converted voltage to an operating voltage. The driver can further condition power received from the voltage convertor having the operating voltage and operating apparent power level to provide a drive signal and provide the drive signal the electrically controllable optically active material of the privacy structure.
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
A driver (60) may be used to drive an electrically controllable optically active material in a privacy structure (12). In some examples, the driver receives power from a power source (62) at a supply voltage and a supply apparent power level and converts the power received from the power source down to a converted voltage and a converted apparent power level. The converted voltage is less than the supply voltage and the converted apparent power level is less than the supply apparent power level. The driver may deliver power at the converted voltage and the converted apparent power level to a voltage converter (64) which increases the converted voltage to an operating voltage. The driver can further condition power received from the voltage converter having the operating voltage and operating apparent power level to provide a drive signal and provide the drive signal the electrically controllable optically active material of the privacy structure.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
G02F 1/165 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
H02M 5/40 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC
52.
PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURE WITH ASYMETRICAL PANE OFFSETS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CONFIGURATIONS
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
G02F 1/1345 - Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
53.
Privacy glazing structure with asymetrical pane offsets for electrical connection configurations
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
A driver for an electrically dynamic structure may store and release energy during polarity cycling to improve the energy efficiency of operation. In some examples, the driver includes an energy storage element. In operation, the driver can charge an electrically controllable optically active material to a first operating voltage at a first polarity and subsequently discharge the optically active material during polarity reversal. The driver may store energy released from the optically active material during discharging and subsequently release the energy to charge the optically active material to a second operating voltage at a second polarity different than the first polarity.
G02F 1/03 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels or Kerr effect
G02B 26/00 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
G02F 1/1365 - Active matrix addressed cells in which the switching element is a two-electrode device
G02F 1/139 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering based on orientation effects in which the liquid crystal remains transparent
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
55.
ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING WITH ENERGY RECAPTURING DRIVER
A driver for an electrically dynamic structure may store and release energy during polarity cycling to improve the energy efficiency of operation. In some examples, the driver includes an energy storage element. In operation, the driver can charge an electrically controllable optically active material to a first operating voltage at a first polarity and subsequently discharge the optically active material during polarity reversal. The driver may store energy released from the optically active material during discharging and subsequently release the energy to charge the optically active material to a second operating voltage at a second polarity different than the first polarity.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B60J 3/04 - Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreensSun visors for vehicles adjustable in transparency
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
insulating glass units; switchable privacy lite for insulating glass units, namely, two panes of glass separated by a spacer strip with an inner layer of liquid crystal between the two panes of glass for use in insulating glass units; switchable privacy glass panels.
(1) Insulating glass units; switchable privacy insulating glass units, namely, two panes of glass separated by a spacer strip with an inner layer of liquid crystal between the two panes of glass for use in insulating glass units; switchable privacy glass panels.
A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.
B23Q 7/14 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting co-ordinated in production lines
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
B26D 7/06 - Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
B26D 9/00 - Cutting apparatus combined with punching or perforating apparatus or with dissimilar cutting apparatus
B26D 11/00 - Combinations of several similar cutting apparatus
B23Q 7/00 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting
B23Q 7/10 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of magazines
B23Q 7/06 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of pushers
B23Q 7/04 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of grippers
B23P 23/04 - Machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass for both machining and other metal-working operations
B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
B32B 17/00 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
63.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CONFIGURATIONS FOR PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
B60J 3/04 - Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreensSun visors for vehicles adjustable in transparency
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/1516 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
A drop batch builder is provided for organizing a plurality of glass sheets into a desired batch arrangement on a conveyor. The drop batch builder includes an upper conveyor line and a lower conveyor line. The upper conveyor has a drop region configured to drop a first glass sheet from the upper conveyor line downwardly onto the lower conveyor line, whereupon the lower conveyor line is configured to convey the first glass sheet along the lower path of substrate travel to the overpass region where the first glass sheet is positioned under the upper conveyor line. Methods of using a drop batch builder are also provided.
B65G 49/06 - Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
B65G 15/12 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising two or more co-operating endless surfaces with parallel longitudinal axes, or a multiplicity of parallel elements, e.g. ropes defining an endless surface with two or more endless belts
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C03C 17/00 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.
B24B 9/10 - Machines or devices designed for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrsAccessories therefor characterised by a special design with respect to properties of materials specific to articles to be ground of non-metallic inorganic material, e.g. stone, ceramics, porcelain of glass of plate glass
B24B 49/12 - Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or workArrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation involving optical means
B24B 51/00 - Arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding a workpiece
insulating glass units; switchable privacy lite for insulating glass units, namely, two panes of glass separated by a spacer strip with an inner layer of liquid crystal between the two panes of glass for use in insulating glass units
A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.
B23P 23/04 - Machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass for both machining and other metal-working operations
B23Q 7/04 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of grippers
B23Q 7/06 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of pushers
B23Q 7/10 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of magazines
B23Q 7/14 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting co-ordinated in production lines
B26D 7/06 - Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
B26D 9/00 - Cutting apparatus combined with punching or perforating apparatus or with dissimilar cutting apparatus
B26D 11/00 - Combinations of several similar cutting apparatus
B23Q 7/00 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
A spacer formation cell usable in configuration of a window assembly, wherein the cell includes a plurality of stages through which a spacer work piece is routed, and the stages include a holding stage, a cutting stage, a bending stage, and a connecting stage. The stages can be arranged in interlinked configuration, enabling spacers to be fabricated in a direct and time-efficient manner. The stages can be interlinked to form a framework, forming an exterior enclosure for the stages of the cell, and enabling at least of the majority of the cell's operations to be readily overseen by an operator from single vantage points around the cell. The configuration of the formation cell enables a wide variety of spacer types and/or sizes to be readily processed, with such processing to be readily alternated.
B23P 23/04 - Machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass for both machining and other metal-working operations
B23P 15/00 - Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass
B21D 11/10 - Bending specially adapted to produce specific articles, e.g. leaf springs
The invention provides a sealant applicator machine for dispensing sealant onto an insulating glazing unit. The insulating glazing unit may include two panes separated by a spacer having a spacer width. The sealant may be dispensed around a periphery of the insulating glazing unit. In certain embodiments, the sealant applicator machine includes both a fixed width sealant-dispensing head comprising a fixed width dispensing nozzle, and an adjustable sealant-dispensing head having a plurality of adjustable dispensing nozzles. The fixed width sealant-dispensing head and the adjustable sealant-dispensing head may be operably coupled to one or more sealant supplies.
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
The invention provides machines for removing strips of masking from glazing panes. Also provided are methods of removing strips of masking from glazing panes. One embodiment of a machine for removing strips of masking material from a glazing pane includes a cutting head and a processing station. The processing station can be constructed to retain the glazing pane in a processing position with a first surface of the glazing pane oriented toward the cutting head. The cutting head can be movable in various directions across the masked glazing pane and include cutters to cut strips from the masking material.
A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.
B24B 9/10 - Machines or devices designed for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrsAccessories therefor characterised by a special design with respect to properties of materials specific to articles to be ground of non-metallic inorganic material, e.g. stone, ceramics, porcelain of glass of plate glass
B24B 49/12 - Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or workArrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation involving optical means
B24B 51/00 - Arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding a workpiece
76.
Multiple-pane insulating glazing unit assembly, gas filling, and pressing machine
A system for producing multiple-pane insulating glazing units can include a conveyor and a plurality of laterally spaced-apart processing stations that are movable transversely relative to the longitudinally extending conveyor line. Each processing station may assemble glazing panes and a glazing spacer into a partially fabricated glazing unit, deliver insulative gas to a between-pane space between the glazing panes, and press the partially fabricated glazing unit together to seal the insulative gas in the between-pane space and form the multiple-pane insulating glazing unit. In some examples, each processing station moves to an alignment position with the conveyor to load glazing panes and a glazing spacer and then performs individual fabrication steps while offset from the conveyor. During this time, a different processing station can be aligned with the conveyor to unload a fabricated multiple-pane insulating glazing units and/or load unassembled glazing panes and a glazing spacer.
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
Multilayer film (1) with electrically switchable optical properties, comprising, arranged sheet-wise in order, at least: —a first carrier film (5), —a first electrically conductive layer (3), —an active layer (2), —a second electrically conductive layer (4) and—a second carrier film (6), wherein—the multilayer film (1) has at least two circumferential separating lines (16), which separate an insulated edge region (18) from the first electrically conductive layer (3) and the second electrically conductive layer (4), —the first carrier film (5) and the second carrier film (6) are welded in at least a part of the insulated edge region (18) to form a sealed region (7), and—the separating lines (16) have a width of 10 μm to 500 μm.
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
B32B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
B32B 37/16 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
B32B 38/10 - Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
The invention relates to a glazing unit comprising a substrate coated with a variable light scattering system switching between a transparent state and a translucent state comprising a scattering layer able to scatter the incident light along scattering angles greater than the critical total internal reflection angle at the interface between the substrate and the air and at least one pair of elements absorbing visible light separated from one another at least by the scattering layer. The invention also relates to the use of said glazing unit as a projection or back-projection screen.
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C09K 19/54 - Additives having no specific mesophase
An electrically conductive support for a glazing unit having liquid crystal scattering properties may include a multilayer of thin films. In one example, the thin films include an electrode comprising a TCO film, a silicon-nitride-based first barrier film having a thickness e1 of at least 5 nm, and a silicon-oxide-based second barrier film having a thickness e2 of at least 30 nm. The thickness e1 may be smaller than or equal to e2 and/or smaller than 80 nm. Further, the cumulative thickness of the first and second barrier films may be larger than or equal to 50 nm and smaller than 150 nm.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
C03C 17/34 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
H05K 1/09 - Use of materials for the metallic pattern
A system for producing multiple-pane insulating glazing units can include a conveyor and a plurality of laterally spaced-apart processing stations that are movable transversely relative to the longitudinally extending conveyor line. Each processing station may assemble glazing panes and a glazing spacer into a partially fabricated glazing unit, deliver insulative gas to a between-pane space between the glazing panes, and press the partially fabricated glazing unit together to seal the insulative gas in the between-pane space and form the multiple-pane insulating glazing unit. In some examples, each processing station moves to an alignment position with the conveyor to load glazing panes and a glazing spacer and then performs individual fabrication steps while offset from the conveyor. During this time, a different processing station can be aligned with the conveyor to unload a fabricated multiple-pane insulating glazing units and/or load unassembled glazing panes and a glazing spacer.
A system for producing multiple-pane insulating glazing units can include a conveyor and a plurality of laterally spaced-apart processing stations that are movable transversely relative to the longitudinally extending conveyor line. Each processing station may assemble glazing panes and a glazing spacer into a partially fabricated glazing unit, deliver insulative gas to a between-pane space between the glazing panes, and press the partially fabricated glazing unit together to seal the insulative gas in the between-pane space and form the multiple-pane insulating glazing unit. In some examples, each processing station moves to an alignment position with the conveyor to load glazing panes and a glazing spacer and then performs individual fabrication steps while offset from the conveyor. During this time, a different processing station can be aligned with the conveyor to unload a fabricated multiple-pane insulating glazing units and/or load unassembled glazing panes and a glazing spacer.
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
The invention relates to a glazing used as projection screen operating in reflection, comprising a front face, onto which the image is projected, and a rear face. The glazing comprises a variable light scattering system comprising a functional film capable of switching between a transparent state and a scattering state and a coating comprising at least one mirror layer, said coating being separated from the front face at least by the functional film.
The invention also relates to the use of a glazing as projection screen, to a projection system and to a projection method using said glazing.
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G03B 21/60 - Projection screens characterised by the nature of the surface
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
86.
Method for producing a multiple glazing unit with variable diffusion by PDLC layer and a multiple glazing unit with a PDLC layer produced according to said method
A method for producing a multiple glazing unit with variable diffusion by liquid crystals can include applying a pre-seal on an internal face of a first substrate to form a strip delimiting a space. The method can further include depositing a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystals in a polymer matrix on the delimited space. In some examples, the first substrate is assembled with a second substrate and calendared or pressed. Thereafter, the resulting assembly is irradiated and/or heated to simultaneously cross-link the pre-seal and polymerize the liquid crystal composition.
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
87.
Multiple glazing with variable diffusion by liquid crystals
A liquid-crystal multiple glazing can have a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet held by a gasket referred to as the contact gasket. In some examples, the multiple glazing includes first and second electrodes with first and second electricity supply zones and a liquid-crystal layer with spacers having a thickness of between 5 and 15 μm. Additionally, the first glass sheet may protrude by a first protruding side and include the first electricity supply zone. Further, the glazing may have electrical cabling with a first cabling input with a first electrically insulating polymer material.
G02F 1/1345 - Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
88.
Multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals and its method of manufacture
A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals includes first and second flat float glass sheets sealed on the edge of their internal faces by a sealing joint, in particular made of a given sealing material, in particular essentially organic, first and second electrodes, and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 15 and 60 μm inclusive of these values and incorporating spacers. The thickness A of each of the first and second glass sheets is less than or equal to 5.5 mm, and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes has a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidioptres, of less than 12E/15 where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in μm.
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
G02F 1/13363 - Birefringent elements, e.g. for optical compensation
A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals can have first and second flat float glass sheets held on the edge of their internal faces by a joint made of a given joint material. In some examples, the glazing also includes first and second electrodes and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 5 and 15 μm. The thickness of each of the first and second glass sheets may be less than or equal to 6.5 mm and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes may have a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidiopters, of less than or equal to 2+2E/3, where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in μm.
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
An insulating glass unit may be fabricated by filling the space between opposed panes of glass with multiple types of gases and then sealing the gases in the space. A spacer containing a gas adsorption material may be positioned between the panes of glass to seal the gases in the space. In some examples, the gas adsorption material is configured to selectively adsorb one of the gases introduced into the space but substantially none of another of the gases introduced into the space. As a result, the gas pressure in the insulating glass unit may reduce below the initial filling pressure after fabrication of the unit due to adsorption. Such gas pressure reduction may be useful, for example, if the insulating glass unit is going to be used at a higher elevation location where the air pressure is lower.
Multilayer film (1) with electrically switchable optical properties, comprising, arranged sheet-wise in order, at least: - a first carrier film (5), - a first electrically conductive layer (3), - an active layer (2), - a second electrically conductive layer (4) and - a second carrier film (6), wherein - the multilayer film (1) has at least two circumferential separating lines (16), which separate an insulated edge region (18) from the first electrically conductive layer (3) and the second electrically conductive layer (4), - the first carrier film (5) and the second carrier film (6) are welded in at least a part of the insulated edge region (18) to form a sealed region (7), and - the separating lines (16) have a width of 10 μm to 500 μm.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
G02F 1/167 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect by electrophoresis
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
The invention provides a spacer having an engineered wall with multiple corrugation fields including first and second corrugation fields having differently configured corrugations. Also provided are multi-pane glazing units that incorporate such a spacer.
E06B 3/00 - Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing openingsLayout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windowsFeatures of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
The present invention relates to an electrically conductive carrier for a liquid-crystal glazing unit (100) comprising a multilayer (3) containing, in this order: an electrode comprising an electrically conductive transparent oxide based layer, called the TCO layer; a first barrier layer, based on silicon nitride, of thickness e1 of at least 5 nm; and a second barrier layer, based on silicon oxide, of thickness e2 of at least 30 nm; the thickness e1 is smaller than or equal to e2 and/or e1 is smaller than 80 nm, and the cumulative thickness eb of the first and second barrier layers is larger than or equal to 50 nm and smaller than 150 nm.
C03C 17/34 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions
C03C 17/36 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
94.
VARIABLE LIGHT DIFFUSION SYSTEM COMPRISING A PDLC LAYER
The invention concerns a variable light diffusion system switching between a transparent state and a translucent state comprising a PDLC layer located between two electrodes. The PDLC layer comprises a mixture of liquid crystals forming micro-droplets dispersed in a polymer matrix obtained from a photopolymerisable composition comprising vinyl compounds. The invention also concerns the use of a variable light diffusion system switching between a transparent state and a translucent state operating with a switching voltage lower than 30 Vrms.
The invention concerns a glazing comprising a substrate coated with a variable light diffusion system switching between a transparent state and a translucent state comprising a diffusing layer able to diffuse incident light at diffusion angles greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection at the interface between the substrate and the air and at least one pair of visible light absorbers separated from each other at least by the diffusing layer. The invention also concerns the use of said glazing as a projection or rear projection screen.
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C09K 19/54 - Additives having no specific mesophase
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
METHOD FOR PRODUCING A MULTIPLE GLAZING UNIT WITH VARIABLE DIFFUSION BY PDLC LAYER AND A MULTIPLE GLAZING UNIT WITH A PDLC LAYER PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SAID METHOD
The present invention proposes a method for producing a multiple glazing unit with variable diffusion by liquid crystals (100) comprising glass sheets (1, 2) held in place by an adhesive seal (7), on the inner faces of the electrodes (3, 4), and comprising a PDLC layer (5) in contact with the adhesive seal (7), the method comprising the following steps: (a) applying, to the first electrode (3), a so-called pre-seal material (7) (b) depositing, on the first electrode (3), a liquid crystal composition (5), the order of steps (a) and (b) being interchangeable, (c) assembling the glass sheets (1, 2), with the inner faces facing each other, by calendering or pressing, (d) after assembling, irradiating and/or heating for the polymerisations, the pre-seal and the composition being made from acrylate without epoxy polymer precursor. The invention also concerns the method of producing such a glazing unit with PDLC.
E06B 3/67 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation
97.
REFLECTIVE PROJECTION SCREEN COMPRISING A VARIABLE LIGHT SCATTERING SYSTEM
The invention relates to a glazing unit (100) comprising a front side (S2) and a back side (S1). The glazing unit (100) comprises a variable light scattering system (6) comprising a functional film (5) able to switch between a transparent state and a scattering state as well as a coating comprising at least one mirror layer (2), said coating being separated from the front side (S2) at least by the functional film (5). The invention also relates to the use of a glazing unit (100) as a projection screen, to a projection system, and to a projection method employing said glazing unit (100).
G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
99.
Insulating glass unit with asymmetrical between-pane spaces
An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.
The invention relates to a projection or back-projection method comprising the use of glass having two main external surfaces, used as a projection or back-projection screen, and a projector. The method consists in using the projector to project images that can be seen by spectators on one of the sides of the glass. The glass comprises a transparent layered element having diffuse reflection properties.
