Patents by Inventor Scott V. Thomsen

Scott V. Thomsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7892662
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a window having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties and/or self-cleaning properties, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a silver based layer is be provided and the layer(s) located thereover (e.g., the zirconium oxide inclusive layer) are designed to permit silver particles to migrate/diffuse to the surface over time to kill bacteria/germs at the surface of the coated article thereby creating an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal effect. In certain example embodiments, silver may also or instead be mixed in with other material as the top layer of the anti-bacterial coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Jose Nunez-Regueiro, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7893350
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a high transmission low iron glass, which is highly oxidized and made using the float process, for use in photovoltaic devices such as solar cells or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition used for the glass is made via the float process using an extremely high and positive batch redox in order to reduce % FeO to a low level and permit the glass to consistently realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or Tvis), high infrared (IR) transmission, and high total solar (TS) transmission. The glass substrate may be patterned or not patterned in different example embodiments of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Richard Hulme, Leonid M. Landa, Ksenia A. Landa
  • Patent number: 7875945
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the rear electrode includes a metallic based reflective film that is oxidation graded, so as to be more oxided closer to a rear substrate (e.g., glass substrate) supporting the electrode than at a location further from the rear substrate. In other words, the rear electrode is oxidation graded so as to be less oxided closer to a semiconductor absorber of the photovoltaic device than at a location further from the semiconductor absorber in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear substrate may optionally be textured so that the rear electrode deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode may be of or include Mo and/or MoOx, and may be sputter-deposited using a combination of MoOx and Mo sputtering targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Alexey Krasnov, Willem den Boer, Scott V. Thomsen, Leonard L. Boyer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110000602
    Abstract: A method of making a window unit is provided which may result in improved yields. In certain example embodiments, the method involves coating a substrate with both (i) a solar control/management coating, and (ii) a protective layer (e.g., of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC)) over the solar control/management coating. The protective layer protects the coated substrate from scratches and/or the like during processing prior to heat treatment. Then, during heat treatment, the protective layer(s) is burned off in part or in whole. Following heat treatment, the coated article (substrate with solar control/management coating thereon) is coupled to another substrate in order to form the window unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 7863208
    Abstract: A grey glass composition employing in its colorant portion at least iron (Fe2O3/FeO), cobalt and selenium is provided. The glass allows high visible transmission, and good IR absorption, while at the same time achieving desired grey color. In certain example embodiments, the colorant portion includes, or may consist essentially of: total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0.20 to 0.35% selenium 0.0002 to 0.0020% cobalt oxide 0.0025 to 0.0060% titanium oxide ??0 to 1.0% glass redox: <=.27; or 0.10 to 0.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Anna Broughton, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7858545
    Abstract: A high transmittance fairly clear/neutral colored glass composition is provided. An oxidizing agent(s) such as cerium oxide (e.g., CeO2) or the like is added to the glass batch in order to realize very oxidized conditions (i.e., to significantly lower the redox of the resulting glass). As a result of the oxidizing agent(s) used in the batch, the iron is oxidized to a very low FeO (ferrous state) content. For example, this may result in a glass having a glass redox value of no greater than 0.12 (more preferably <=0.10; even more preferably <=0.08; and most preferably <=0.05) and a % FeO (i.e., ferrous content) of from 0.0001 to 0.05%. In certain example embodiments, in order to compensate for yellow or yellow-green coloration a small amount of cobalt (Co) may be provided in the glass to enable it to realize a more neutral color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Ksenia A. Landa, Leonid Landa, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7846492
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a photocatalytic coated article and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a zirconium nitride and/or oxide inclusive layer before heat treatment (HT). The coated article is heat treated so that following heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) a zirconium oxide based layer is provided. A photocatalytic layer (e.g., of an oxide of titanium) may be formed over zirconium oxide based layer following heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Scott V. Thomsen, Jose Nunez-Regueiro
  • Patent number: 7824772
    Abstract: A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s), and an underlayer(s) deposited by flame pyrolysis may be provided under at least the anti-etch layer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Rudolph Hugo Petrmichl, Nestor P. Murphy, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 7820019
    Abstract: A coated article is provided that may be used as a vehicle windshield, insulating glass (IG) window unit, or the like. An ion beam is used to treat an infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of such a coated article. Advantageously, this has been found to improve sheet resistance (Rs) properties, emittance, solar control properties, and/or durability of the coated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jochen Butz, Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Scott V. Thomsen, Anton Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20100255980
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high transmission low iron glass that includes boron oxide. The boron oxide, added to this low iron glass, has the effect of improving glass refining, homogeneity and quality (lower seed count) through its flux action and improves glass optical parameters of green and clear glass through the change in refractive index and surface tension. Boron oxide lends to broader and weaker absorption band of such transition element(s) as iron which additionally improves the transmittance of low iron clear glass in certain example embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, the addition of boron oxide in certain quantities in advantageous in that it improves the chemical durability of the glass by decreasing the USPX (or USPXIII) value of the glass via suppression of the silica, sodium ions in the glass structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicants: Guardian Industires Corp., Phoenicia America-Israel (Flat Glass) Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Fulton, Abraham W. Michaelis, Mario Resch, David Bird, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7803427
    Abstract: A method of making a window unit is provided which may result in improved yields. In certain example embodiments, the method involves coating a substrate with both (i) a solar control/management coating, and (ii) a protective layer (e.g., of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC)) over the solar control/management coating. The protective layer protects the coated substrate from scratches and/or the like during processing prior to heat treatment. Then, during heat treatment, the protective layer(s) is burned off in part or in whole. Following heat treatment, the coated article (substrate with solar control/management coating thereon) is coupled to another substrate in order to form the window unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Publication number: 20100206290
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2 or other suitable stoichiometry) may be used as a protective overcoat to protect an underlying Ag layer from corrosion in the atmosphere. In certain three lite oven door example embodiments, surfaces 2 and 4 each have an Ag-based TCC sputter-deposited thereon. The Ag-based TCC may have a sheet resistance of about either 4 or 5 ohms/square in certain example embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Jingyu Lao, Kevin O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20100209729
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2 or other suitable stoichiometry) may be used as a protective overcoat to protect an underlying Ag layer from corrosion in the atmosphere. In three lite oven door example embodiments, surface 1 has a TCC pyrolytically disposed thereon, surface 2 has a TCC sputter-deposited thereon and, optionally, surface 3 has a TCC sputter-deposited thereon. In two lite oven door example embodiments, surface 1 has a TCC pyrolytically disposed or sputter-deposited thereon, and surface 2 has a TCC sputter-deposited thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Jingyu Lao
  • Publication number: 20100209730
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) for use in, for example, refrigeration and/or freezer units (e.g., as doors, windows, etc.). The TCC may include a silver-based conductive layer, at least partially protected by a zirconium oxide overcoat. Such TCCs may be provided in connection with monolithic or multi-substrate arrangements in different example embodiments. Certain example embodiments may involve “active” modes, where a silver-based layer in the TCC may receive a voltage, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of frosting, freezing, fogging, condensation, and/or the like, on the glass substrate that supports the TCC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.,
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Jingyu Lao, Kevin O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7772144
    Abstract: A soda-lime-silica based glass composition for manufacturing on a float line that has a faster refining rate due to the introduction of alkali earth oxides such as BaO, ZnO and/or SrO in the amount of from about 1-4% in total. These oxides replace part or all of the MgO in the base glass composition thereby decreasing the overall MgO content in the glass composition to about 2% or less. The glass can realize a lower viscosity at high temperatures so that refining of the melt may occur faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Leonid M. Landa, Ksenia A. Landa, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen, Anthony V. Longobardo
  • Publication number: 20100154477
    Abstract: A high transmission and low iron glass is provided for use in a solar cell. The glass substrate may be patterned on at least one surface thereof. Antimony (Sb) is used in the glass to improve stability of the solar performance of the glass upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and/or sunlight. The combination of low iron content, antimony, and/or the patterning of the glass substrate results in a substrate with high visible transmission and excellent light refracting characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Gurdian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Ksenia A. Landa, Richard Hulme, Leonid Landa, Anna Broughton
  • Publication number: 20100152014
    Abstract: A high transmittance fairly clear/neutral colored glass composition is provided. An oxidizing agent(s) such as cerium oxide (e.g., CeO2) or the like is added to the glass batch in order to realize very oxidized conditions (i.e., to significantly lower the redox of the resulting glass). As a result of the oxidizing agent(s) used in the batch, the iron is oxidized to a very low FeO (ferrous state) content. For example, this may result in a glass having a glass redox value of no greater than 0.12 (more preferably <=0.10; even more preferably <=0.08; and most preferably <=0.05) and a % FeO (i.e., ferrous content) of from 0.0001 to 0.05%. In certain example embodiments, in order to compensate for yellow or yellow-green coloration a small amount of cobalt (Co) may be provided in the glass to enable it to realize a more neutral color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Ksenia A. Landa, Leonid Landa, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20100122728
    Abstract: A high transmission low iron glass includes antimony, has reduced total alkali content, and increased silica content, and is suitable for use in photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells) or the like. A method of making the glass is also provided. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition may be made on a pattern line with a highly positive batch redox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin R. Fulton, Richard Hulme, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7700869
    Abstract: A patterned glass substrate is provided for use in a solar cell. The glass substrate is both patterned on at least one surface thereof and has a low iron content. The combination of low iron content, optional oxidizing agent, and the patterning of the glass substrate results in a substrate with high visible transmission and excellent light refracting characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Ksenia A. Landa, Leonid Landa, Richard Hulme
  • Patent number: 7700870
    Abstract: A high transmission and low iron glass is provided for use in a solar cell. The glass substrate may be patterned on at least one surface thereof. Antimony (Sb) is used in the glass to improve stability of the solar performance of the glass upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and/or sunlight. The combination of low iron content, antimony, and/or the patterning of the glass substrate results in a substrate with high visible transmission and excellent light refracting characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Ksenia A. Landa, Richard Hulme, Anthony V. Longobardo, Leonid Landa, Anna Broughton