Abstract: The thermally switched absorptive optical shutter may be a self-regulating “switchable absorber” device that may absorb approximately 100% of incoming light above a threshold temperature, and may absorb approximately 50% of incoming light below a threshold temperature. The shutter may be formed by placing a thermotropic depolarizer between two absorptive polarizers. This control over the flow of radiant energy may occur independently of the thermal conductivity or insulation of the shutter device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. This has energy-efficiency implications as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. It also has aesthetic implications since the shutter device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: An aftermarket application to improve the insulating properties of an existing window using vessels filled with nanotechnology insulating materials. Application does not impede users' ability to see through while minimizing heat transfer allowed through the window. The vessels can be customized by contractors and engineers to control range and direction of vision that viewers from the inside and outside can see.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass unit (VIGU) comprises a first pane of a transparent material and a second pane of a transparent material. The second pane is spaced apart from the first pane to define a cavity therebetween. At least one of a spacer and an array of stand-off members is disposed between the first and second panes to maintain separation therebetween. A first adhesive layer forms at least a portion of a gas-tight connection between the first pane and the second pane. A highly hermetic coating is disposed over the adhesive layer, where the coating is an inorganic layer.

Abstract: The thermally switched reflective optical shutter is a self-regulating “switchable mirror” device that reflects up to 100% of incident radiant energy above a threshold temperature, and reflects up to 50% of incident radiant energy below a threshold temperature. Control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating value of the device, and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The device can be used as a construction material to efficiently regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The device has unique aesthetic optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: A window includes first and second panes and a frame coupled to the first and second panes to form an air gap there between. The window further includes an electrical generator disposed in the air gap configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to electricity. The window further includes a venting system configured to vent heat from the air gap away from the first pane or the second pane. The window further includes first and second reflective coatings respectively disposed on first surfaces of the panes. The first surfaces face the air gap, and the reflective coatings are configured to reflect infrared radiation into the air gap. The window further includes first and second antireflective coatings respectively disposed on second surfaces of the panes. The second surfaces face away from the air gap, and the antireflective coatings are configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the air gap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-layered heat insulating window panel for constructing wall and/or roof surfaces of a greenhouse, comprising: a frame structure, a first pane (12), particularly a customary glass pane which has an edge that is framed and attached in the frame structure and which is kept in position by the frame structure, and a supplementary pane, for example, deep drawn from plastic material, a supplementary pane on at least one surface of the first glass pane, forming a double-glazing arrangement, wherein the supplementary pane has a tray-like shape and the circumferential edge region is glued hermetically to the first pane and wherein the cavity is evacuated and in the interior the supplementary pane is supported by means of a number of supporting elements in order to prevent the pane from collapsing because of the external atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An insulating glazing panel including two glass panes held in spaced apart relation by a peripherally extending assembly including a spacer (including profile lengths, corners and at least one connection) and a first sealant. The two glass panes and the assembly define a first, closed interpane space and a second, open interpane space. A second sealant is provided in the second, open interpane space and coats the assembly. The thickness of the second sealant coating the majority of the spacer's outermost points that are not at a corner or connection position is less than or equal to 1 mm; and the thickness of the second sealant adjacent to the glass panes, measured parallel to the glass panes from the spacer's outermost point level at the majority of the positions that are not a corner or a connection, is more than 1 mm.

Abstract: The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation, to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass.

Abstract: The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass.

Abstract: A fenestration product in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an insulated glass unit with a frame, an SPD film mounted in the frame and a pane of glass mounted in the frame adjacent to the SPD film with a gap formed between the pane of glass and the pane of glass. The gap is preferably filled with Argon gas.

Abstract: A system for deployment of a millimeter wave concealed object detection system using an outdoor passively illuminated structure is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the structure includes at least one sidewall with at least one louvered panel within the sidewall. The louvered panel is orientated to reflect millimeter energy into the structure that is used in part by a concealed object detection system for detecting concealed objects. The louvered panel includes a plurality of adjustable parallel slats for obtaining an optimum deployment angle. The structure further includes at least one detection lane for guiding a subject through the structure and is configured between a controlled entry barrier and an exit barrier of the structure.

Abstract: A gutter and sheeting material holding device comprises an elongated body having a bottom wall, and side walls extending from opposed sides of the bottom wall. The bottom and side walls define a gutter for channeling a liquid. Sheet holding channels are provided at a distal end of the side walls. Wedges are inserted into the sheet holding channels for anchoring sheets or membranes to the side walls of the gutter.

Abstract: The gas fill device for multiple pane windows includes a tube installed through the peripheral spacer bar between two glass panes in an insulated glass assembly for a window, door glass, skylight, or the like. An elbow is pivotally attached to the external end of the tube. A supply of an inert, insulating gas may be attached to the elbow to refill the space between the two panes with the insulating gas, as needed. Two such tubes may be installed in each multiple pane window assembly, one to refill the space with insulating gas and the other to vent air from the space to the atmosphere as the space is refilled with the insulating gas. When the multiple pane window has more than two panes, the tube may be branched and supplied through a common elbow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic insulating glazing comprising a multi-layer glazing with a photovoltaic module. The glazing is further characterized in that two contact strips for contacting the photovoltaic module are led out from an intermediate space between the glass layers and a spacer spaces the glass layers apart, thereby forming the intermediate space.

Abstract: Laminates comprising at least two glass plys surrounding at least one interlayer having at least one bore extending through the laminate are produced by excluding the interlayer from the area surrounding the bore(s) and positioning a load bearing insert around the bore. The insert may be positioned before or after the laminating process. The invention reduces the tendency for delamination around the area of the bore when the laminate is placed under load.

Abstract: An enhancement panel for a skylight or window that may be part of an assembly having one or more glazing panels suitable for being retrofitted to existing skylights, windows and doors. A panel, also referred to as a glazing, may typically be a transparent part of a door, window, or skylight usually made of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., glass, plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate structured sheet, etc. Alternatively, a pre-assembled skylight, window or door, may include an exterior panel and an enhancement panel in a pre-existing manufactured package to be installed as a single new package. The enhancement panel may create a thermal cavity between the exterior panel and the enhancement panel. Such a thermal barrier may greatly improve the thermal properties of the overall door, window or skylight.

Abstract: A building material comprises a plurality of transparent sheet layers, adjacent transparent sheet layers of which are disposed so as to have a gap interposed therebetween; and a vapor supply system for supplying humidified air into the gap between the adjacent transparent sheet layers. A building including the above-mentioned building material. A method for controlling the indoor environment in a building including the above-mentioned building material comprises supplying humidified air into the gap between adjacent transparent sheet layers; and generating dew condensation on a gap-side surface of the adjacent transparent sheet layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a glazing element (2) and a gas supply device (4), whereby the glazing element (2) has at least two substrates (18, 19), which enclose a space (3), and at least one gas of a defined composition located inside the space (3). A coating whose physical properties, in particular, optical and/or electrical properties, which can be altered according to the composition of the gas, is at least applied to one of the surfaces of a substrate (18, 19), said surfaces facing the space (3). The gas supply device (4) has at least one electrolysis device that has a working electrode (9), a counter electrode (10) and at least one electrolyte (17) for producing gas. The glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4) are connected to one another whereby enabling the gas inside a closed circuit (6) to be guided between the glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4). In addition, means for influencing the moisture content of the gas are placed inside the system.

Abstract: The thermally switched reflective optical shutter is a self-regulating “switchable mirror” device that reflects up to 100% of incident radiant energy above a threshold temperature, and reflects up to 50% of incident radiant energy below a threshold temperature. Control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating value of the device, and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The device can be used as a construction material to efficiently regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The device has unique aesthetic optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: An enclosure is made out of transparent or translucent panes which form a chamber (1) through which a liquid flows in closed circuit and which interchanges energy with the inner and outer environments, a heat exchanger (2) in contact with the liquid, a circulation pump (3), and a hydrostatic pressure reducer device (4). The hydrostatic pressure reducer device allows the reduction of the thicknesses of the transparent panes which hold the liquid inside. The active character of the enclosure is due to its capacity of controlling the solar heat load and the illumination. The solar heat load is regulated through the heat exchanger. The illumination of the building is controlled through the adjustable transparency of the liquid. The described enclosure allows the creation of an isothermal envelope which allows the climatization of the building. The system can be used for active outer enclosures or for interior partitions for the climatization and luminic control, as well as for glass roofs or false ceilings.

Abstract: Window pane systems which offer improved protection against blast and impact hazards, including contact blast caused by a bomb or a shell, with or without hollow charge and bullets. A window pane system of the present invention includes multiple glass layers, to absorb the ballistic impact of the explosion; a thick polymer such as polycarbonate, to absorb the kinetic energy of the blast including contact blast; and multiple elastic thin layers of polymer such as polycarbonate, to absorb the blast impact such as the shock wave and shrapnel. Optionally, the last layer is extended such that the last layer is covering up to the full width of the window pane system, preferably in all four sides of the window pane system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall sheeting and articles comprising multiwall sheeting. In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: greater than or equal to three polymer walls (e.g., comprising a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an inner layer), a transverse layer, and a liquid. The liquid is located in cells formed by the transverse layer and the walls. The multiwall sheet has a first visible light transmission and a first direct solar transmission. A second multiwall sheet has the same materials and the same design as the multiwall sheet but with no liquid, and has a second visible light transmission and a second direct solar transmission. The first visible light transmission is greater than the second visible light transmission and the first direct solar transmission is about 63% to about 70% as determined in accordance with ISO 9050.

Abstract: A building component system includes a building component that is controllable between a first state and a second state in response to a sensed condition. The system may include a sensor on a first side of the building component and a sensor on the second side of the building component. The building component may be a window that is controllable between an opaque state and a clear state by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that senses the conditions on both sides of the window.

Abstract: In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a window assembly and a window spacer. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the window assembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a spacer arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet. The spacer includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and continuous sidewalls or a plurality of sidewalls. In some embodiments the sidewalls include a first portion having a first fastening mechanism and a second portion have a second fastening mechanism. The first fastening mechanism is arranged and configured to securely engage with the second fastening mechanism to connect the first portion with the second portion.

Abstract: A method of making a lens structure is provided comprising a first step of providing an eyewear lens substrate blank having a polarized layer or a helmet shield substrate blank. A step of spin coating a surface of the lens substrate blank with a photochromic material is then provided. Steps of curing the lens substrate blank by heating and coating the surface of the lens substrate blank having the photochromic material with a hard coating is then provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-darkening system comprising a fluid-pumping device which can fill and empty an internal chamber between two transparent glass panes or pane segments belonging to a glazed structure. According to the invention, when the chamber fills with fluid, the glazed structure darkens and, when the chamber empties, the structure becomes transparent once again.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall sheeting and articles comprising multiwall sheeting. In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: greater than or equal to three polymer walls (e.g., comprising a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an inner layer), a transverse layer, and a liquid. The liquid is located in cells formed by the transverse layer and the walls. The multiwall sheet has a first visible light transmission and a first direct solar transmission. A second multiwall sheet has the same materials and the same design as the multiwall sheet but with no liquid, and has a second visible light transmission and a second direct solar transmission. The first visible light transmission is greater than the second visible light transmission and the first direct solar transmission is about 63% to about 70% as determined in accordance with ISO 9050.

Abstract: A window pane for attenuating the effect of a pressure or shock wave after an explosion, in which the window pane includes a safety element and at least two panes, placed at a distance from one another and enclosing a space between them, which are assembled together in their edge regions with aid of a spacing frame with formation of edge grooves. In the window pane the safety element is flexible, includes a material with a high tear strength, and is placed inside at least one of the edge grooves, and at least one end of the safety element is fed out of the edge groove.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.

Abstract: An electronically shaded glass window system is described that provides a progressively darkening window, based on either user input or detection of ambient light. This invention is appropriate for use in commercial buildings, residential buildings, public areas and vehicles. It enhances energy efficiency by blocking bright light thereby reducing heat. It includes a user interface, which permits a user to create opaque or alternatively transparent walls or windows as the need arises.

Abstract: A light adjuster according to which the wavelength dependence of the transmissivity when a voltage is not being applied can be reduced, and a laminated glass containing the light adjuster. The light adjuster 100 is comprised of a single liquid crystal layer 104, a pair of transparent electrically conductive films 106a and 106b having the liquid crystal layer 104 therebetween, and a pair of PET films 105a and 105b bonded respectively to outer surfaces of the pair of transparent electrically conductive films. The liquid crystal layer 104 is comprised of a transparent polymer film 101 that is made of a latex and has a large number of voids therein. Each of the voids is filled with nematic liquid crystalline rod-like molecules 102, thus forming a liquid crystal capsule 103.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a connector with multiple barriers for moisture vapor and gas that provides a hermetically sealed joint in a spacer bar. The multiple barrier members include yielding feathers, yielding ribs, yielding feathered ribs, or interlaced yielding ribs and collars. The barrier members engage with the seal liner of respective portions of an associated spacer bar in corresponding engaging areas. A predetermined relationship between the fusing temperature of the barrier members and the fusing temperature of the seal liner establishes hermetic bonding resulting from a heating exposure of the corresponding engaging areas.

Abstract: Panel (1) comprising, in succession, a first rigid board forming the back of the panel, a first thermally insulating layer (3) borne by the said backboard, an impervious covering (4) covering the said first thermally insulating layer, a second thermally insulating layer (5) which partially covers the said impervious covering and a second rigid board (6) covering the said second thermally insulating layer, characterized in that it comprises a film (8) which covers at least part of the said impervious covering which is not covered by the said second thermally insulating layer, the said film comprising at least one protective portion (9) and at least one spew portion (11) adjacent to the said protective portion, the said protective portion and the said spew portion being able to be detached from the said impervious covering independently of one another.

Abstract: A building material comprises a plurality of transparent sheet layers, adjacent transparent sheet layers of which are disposed so as to have a gap interposed therebetween; and a vapor supply system for supplying humidified air into the gap between the adjacent transparent sheet layers. A building including the above-mentioned building material. A method for controlling the indoor environment in a building including the above-mentioned building material comprises supplying humidified air into the gap between adjacent transparent sheet layers; and generating dew condensation on a gap-side surface of the adjacent transparent sheet layers.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective material disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a spectrally selective film laminate disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block and to establish an U-factor of 0.35 or less with a S.H.G.C. of 0.39 or less. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.

Abstract: An insulated glass (IG) assembly for windows which includes an internal lighting system is disclosed. The IG assembly includes two or more panes of glass, a spacer and a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The spacer separates glass panes and provides the hermetic seal for the IG assembly. The spacer extends around the periphery of the glass panes with a portion of its ends overlapping to form a sealed corner joint. The LED light strip includes a plurality of LED lamps connected in series by thin electrical contact wires fixed in a flexible nonconductive substrate. The LED strip is fixed to the spacer and extends around the periphery of the insulated glass unit. The lead wires from the LED light strip pass through the corner joint between the overlapped ends of the spacer. The LED light systems provide dependable illumination but emit relatively little thermal energy. Consequently, the LED light system maintains the thermal insulating properties of an insulated glass unit.

Abstract: The decorative luminous panel assembly and its support comprises a panel of translucent synthetic material bearing decorative designs and capable of receiving the illumination from a light source incorporated in the support, said panel carrying a plurality of thread-like elements of transparent synthetic material, fixed by one end to the panel at the rear face thereof, that is to say, on the unseen face, and which are capable of being fixed by the other end on the support, the rear face of the panel making firm contact against a plurality of supporting appendages of the support, which have a very pointed end, so that the contact with the panel occurs on an extraordinarily reduced surface, practically invisible from the exposed side of the translucent panel.

Abstract: A light control window that includes at least a transparent window substrate and an optical element. The optical element includes at least an optical element main body configured to change the light transmittance through the window upon application of a magnetic field. The optical element main body includes at least a micro-magnetic head array configured to apply the magnetic field to the optical element main body.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a single aperture disposed along the lower edge of the plastic block for alleviating pressure within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: The light-transmitting glass panel 1 is comprised of a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 that are hermetically joined together with one surface of each thereof facing one another, the joining being via a sealing frame 13 that is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the glass plates 11 and 12 and fluidizes at low temperature, and the glass plates 11 and 12 having a hollow layer 14 formed therebetween, and pillars 15 that are substantially cylindrical spacers that are inserted into the hollow layer 14 as atmospheric pressure supporting members and determine the gap between the glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12. The pillars 15 are arranged in the hollow layer 14 in a matrix shape with a predetermined spacing, and taking the surface residual compressive stress of the glass plates 11 and 12 in MPa to be S, and the thickness of the glass plates 11 and 12 in mm to be d, the average spacing D in mm of the pillars 15 arranged in the hollow layer 14 satisfies the relationship D?5.2d+5.5+(0.8d+0.08)·?S.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The graphic articles of the present invention include a perforated imageable component and a non-perforated attachment component. The imageable component includes an opaque, perforated imageable film layer that accepts an image layer on its first major surface. On the second major surface of the imageable film layer, a perforated, opaque light absorbing film is applied.

Abstract: Light control system and method in which a privacy glass window having first and second transparent substrates with a film of liquid crystal between the substrates is mounted in the wall or roof of a building. The level of ambient light outside the building is monitored and/or sunlight impinging directly on the building is detected, and the film is energized to make the window transparent during daylight hours when sunlight is not impinging directly upon it. Some embodiments include override switches which permit the window to be made transparent at night and/or during cooler months when sunlight is falling directly on it, and some include an override switch which permits the window to be darkened during daylight hours in warmer months.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manufacturing insulating glass units. In apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash. Methods are also provided for applying a deposit forming material to the periphery of the panes of an insulating glass unit.

Abstract: A window is made from similar panes of glass that have a space therebetween. Side edges of the panes are sealed. Top and bottom edges of the panes form a top slot and a bottom slot, respectively. The top slot is disposed within a top well that is connected through passageways to a pair of top air chambers that each have a heater therein. When an aqueous solution is in the top well and the top chambers are heated, the aqueous solution is forced through the top slot the space between the panes. The bottom slot is disposed within a bottom well that is connected through passageways to a pair of bottom air chambers that each have a heater therein. When the aqueous solution is in the bottom well and the bottom chambers are heated, the aqueous solution is forced through the bottom slot the space between the panes.

Abstract: A glass door and/or fixed glass wall construction for refrigerated cabinets comprises at least a glass component including chambers filled with an inert gas or mixtures of inert gases.

Abstract: Fire-retardant sheet element can be composed of several fire protection glass plates (2, 3). Lateral edges (9, 10) of adjacent glass plates (2, 3) therein abut one another. Into the interspace (26) between lateral edges (9, 10) a sealing configuration (7) is installed. This comprises an addition element (22) and elastic sealing elements (23, 24). The glass plates (2, 3) comprise several glass panes (16) and interspaced fire protection layers (18). These fire protection layers (18) do not extend up to the edges (9, 10) and are sealed in the regions of the lateral edges with a barrier material (20). No additional frame elements for covering the interspace (26) and for sealing are necessary.

Abstract: A light control window that includes at least a transparent window substrate and an optical element. The optical element includes at least an optical element main body configured to change the light transmittance through the window upon application of a magnetic field. The optical element main body includes at least a micro-magnetic head array configured to apply the magnetic field to the optical element main body.

Abstract: Roofing tiles and associated methods are used in the construction of multi-functional roofs. Tiles are fit together to define an internal cavity which can be sealed to maintain a gas, liquid and/or other material therein. Filling materials include such things as fire retardants, colored materials, heatable liquid or other materials to provide different functional aspects for a roof made from the tiles.