Abstract: A double glass system is disclosed in which not only the sunbeams are completely shielded, but also the firefighting is made easier at a fire accident. An incombustible or combustion-resistant liquid with a pigment added therein is used as the solution to be supplied into the double glass. Thus the double glass can shield the sight and the sunbeams, and can serve as a compartment wall, while it is helpful to firefighting at a fire accident, because the solution generates a fire-suppressing gas upon being burned. Thus the functions of the double glass are diversified. Further, an opaque liquid such as mercury is used in place of the solution, so that a sunbeam-shielding effect, a sight blocking effect (to the required degree) and a mirror effect can be obtained. Mercury is supplied into double glass by expanding the mercury and the air by heating them, and therefore, a driving means such as pump is not required.

Abstract: A penetration resistant window includes a penetration resistant layer sandwiched between exterior and interior transparent sheets. The perimeter of the penetration resistant layer extends from the perimeters of the exterior and interior transparent sheets in a direction plane parallel with the planes of the transparent sheets. This extension allows the laminated window sheets to be mounted in a window frame such that the perimeter of the penetration resistant layer is secured within a channel in the frame, preferably by an adhesive such as silicone glue. The penetration resistant window is useful in architectural, residential and institutional applications for resisting debris penetration during hurricanes.

Abstract: A media window system includes a window unit having a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glass unit located within the frame perimeter. The window unit includes a display area adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is configured to project an image onto the display surface. The window unit also includes a speaker element disposed on the window. The display are of the window unit is capable of transforming from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image.

Abstract: A window anti-fog system for preventing fogging between windowpanes. The window anti-fog system includes an aperture within a lower portion of a first windowpane, a gas container containing a pressurized volume of gas, and a delivery tube fluidly connected to the gas container with a distal portion inserted within the aperture within the first windowpane. The delivery tube preferably has a size smaller than the aperture for allowing air to escape, however, another opening within the windowpane may be utilized. The gas container preferably contains a gas lighter than air such as nitrogen. A valve between the gas container and the delivery tube controls the flow of the gas into the interior cavity between the first windowpane and a second windowpane.

Abstract: A window anti-fog system for preventing fogging between windowpanes. The window anti-fog system includes an aperture within a lower portion of a first windowpane, a gas container containing a pressurized volume of gas, and a delivery tube fluidly connected to the gas container with a distal portion inserted within the aperture within the first windowpane. The delivery tube preferably has a size smaller than the aperture for allowing air to escape, however, another opening within the windowpane may be utilized. The gas container preferably contains a gas lighter than air such as nitrogen. A valve between the gas container and the delivery tube controls the flow of the gas into the interior cavity between the first windowpane and a second windowpane. As the gas rises within the interior cavity, the gas eventually displaces the air within the interior cavity thereby forcing the air outwardly through the aperture about the delivery tube.

Abstract: A method for filling insulating glass units with gases other than air by dispensing cryogenic liquids into the inner space of these units which then evaporates to the gaseous state. The method is more efficient and effective accomplishing acceptable gas concentrations in less time, than charging gases directly into the unit.

Abstract: A double glass system is disclosed in which not only the sunbeams are completely shielded, but also the firefighting is made easier at a fire accident. An incombustible or combustion-resistant liquid with a pigment added therein is used as the solution to be supplied into the double glass. Thus the double glass can shield the sight and the sunbeams, and can serve as a compartment wall, while it is helpful to firefighting at a fire accident, because the solution generates a fire-suppressing gas upon being burned. Thus the functions of the double glass are diversified. Further, an opaque liquid such as mercury is used in place of the solution, so that a sunbeam-shielding effect, a sight blocking effect (to the required degree) and a mirror effect can be obtained. Mercury is supplied into double glass by expanding the mercury and the air by heating them, and therefore, a driving means such as pump is not required.

Abstract: A dendritic web solar cell shingled array comprises at least two dendritic web solar cells. A first cell overlaps a portion of a second cell such that a back contact of the first cells interconnects with a top contact of the second cell. The cells are less than 150 microns thick, allowing a direct connection between the back contact and top contact of the two cells without the use of a visible busbar. The cells may be shingled together using soldering material and/or electrically conductive adhesives.

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 pressure equalization valve enabling equalization of pressure between the between-pane space of an insulating glass unit and ambient pressure, and glass units containing such a valve. The pressure equalization valve generally includes a valve body having a cavity therein and opposed, open ends and an elongated valve plug received in said valve body and securably shiftable along its length between plugged and unplugged configurations. The valve may be secured about an aperture in a glass pane. The valve body has a shoulder at one end, and the pane thickness is sandwiched between the shoulder and a washer preferably press-fitted to the other end of the body.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved one-piece curb/tube improving the ease of manufacture and installation. The one-piece tube/curb having a tube and a flashing integrally molded of plastic. The tube extends above the flashing to support a dome and below the flashing to connect to an adjacent light tube section. The tube preferably includes a reflective inner surface to enhance light conveyance.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel unit of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a housing constituted by a front, radiation-receiving panel and a rear panel, the panels being spaced apart and connected to one another by connecting means; a plurality of rotatable radiation-blocking members disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the members being rotatable from one angular position in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to substantially block the passage of light through the panel unit, to a selectable plurality of other angular positions in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities; characterized in that first guiding surfaces for the rotatable radiation-blocking members are disposed inside of, and extend across, the housing.

Abstract: A storm cover for protecting a building's exterior glass includes a resiliently rigid protective storm panel connected directly to the glass so as to substantially cover the glass surface. The protective storm panel is connected to the glass by shock absorbing connectors positioned to hold the panel on the glass and spaced apart therefrom, to substantially protect the glass from impact by distributing the force of an impact. The protective storm panel is made of a substantially resiliently rigid material such as wood, plastic, or light gauge metal, and the exterior glass is preferably a glass window or glass door. The protective storm panel may be sized so as to overlap a frame surrounding the window or door to thereby provide added protection.

Abstract: A decorative window assembly for creating dazzling eye-catching designs in any room. The decorative window assembly includes a window frame with a window panel being securely mounted to the window frame. Tubular reservoir members are securely attached to the window frame and are adapted to store anti-freeze colored liquid. Decorative conduit members are disposed upon the window panel and are connected to the tubular reservoir members with tubular connectors. Pump members are connected to the tubular reservoir members for urging the anti-freeze colored liquid into the decorative conduit members and for drawing the anti-freeze colored liquid from said decorative conduit members.

Abstract: A user controlled ornamental panel or window, which is useful for a number of applications in which the degree or amount of light passing through the panel is to be controlled. One such application is to control the amount of light, ambient or otherwise, entering through a window. The ability to control the amount of ambient light entering through a vehicle window and/or window of a dwelling is particularly useful. The present invention enables the user to control the amount of ambient light passing through the ornamental panel, such that the lighting of the environment is determined by the user without permanently blocking or altering the ability of the ornamental panel to permit the entry of light. Such flexibility is important for adjusting the amount of light entering through the panel according to the ambient lighting of the external environment, which would differ during daylight hours as opposed to the night, for example.

Abstract: A portable defogging device for defogging multi-paned windows comprising an open loop source of low moisture gas and a flexible conduit for introducing the gas into the enclosed space between the window panes. A regulator is used to introduce the fixed rate of flow of gas through the flexible conduit and into the enclosed space so as to remove the pre-existing or previous condensation in the enclosed space. In a double-paned aircraft window, the low moisture gas is introduced through a pressure equalization hole in the window. A method of defogging a multi-paned window comprising passing a low moisture gas through a flexible conduit and into an enclosed space between at least two window panes. The discharge of gas is regulated to a constant flow so as to remove moisture from the enclosed space, wherein the defogging device is deactivated and removed from the window to complete the defogging cycle.

Abstract: The invention is an energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when the ambient temperature is low and substantially blocks solar radiation when the ambient temperature is high, especially when sunlight is directly on the window.

Abstract: The invention concerns glazing sheets with variable absorbing power. The glazing comprises two transparent walls providing an inter-wall space containing one of the two following fluids: either a first transparent fluid, such as air; or a second transparent fluid, absorbing solar energy over a very large part of the spectrum, in particular liquid water or liquid water with added alcohol. The glazing further compromises a circuit for discharging energy in the form of a bead, located at its periphery, preferably consisting of a heat pip-exchanger. The glazing also comprises an apparatus for filling up or emptying the inter-wall space, as well as flexible elements for absorbing the second fluid expansion depending on temperature. The glazing can in particular be used for producing car windows.

Abstract: A cutout is made on the front wall of a substantially straight portion of spacer frame channel, having an apex at the axis of bend of the channel for making a corner of the frame, the edges of the cutout being angled so that they close down to a slot of at least 4 degrees opening when the channel bent on the axis to make the corner, sealant is applied on the front wall of the straight portion across the cutout before bending into a corner.

Abstract: A fire-resistant block containing a fire-resistant gel covering one or more interior faces of the block. The gel expands towards the interior of the block when exposed to increased temperatures. This block is lighter, less expensive, and more fire-resistant. A plurality of these blocks may be combined to form a fire-resistant wall or partition.

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.

Abstract: A method for making laminated glass. The sheet includes two glass substrates with an interlayer sheet between them. This sheet includes a polymer based film provided on one of the surfaces with a thin functional layer. The sheet is cut out in dimensions substantially identical to or greater than one of the glass substrates. The sheet is slit on at least the thickness of the film provided with the functional layer so as to delimit at least a peripheral zone of the film located between the slitting line and its edge. The interlayer sheet is assembled between the glass substrates. The peripheral zone is then detached by mechanical traction to transform the laminated glass sheet.

Abstract: Light dispersive insulated glazing units are disclosed. The light dispersive insulated glazing units comprise two lites of glazing material, spaced apart from and opposing one another and a visible light dispersive film, such as a hologram or diffraction grating, interposed between confronting surfaces of the lites. Methods for producing these light dispersive insulated glazing units are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A penetration resistant window includes a sheet of window glass having a penetration resistant layer of ionoplast material adhered thereto. A floating sheet made of hard material such as glass is adhered to the penetration resistant layer in order to provide abrasion resistance. The perimeter of the floating sheet is set back from the perimeter of the window glass. This set back allows the window to be mounted in a window or door frame such that the perimeters of the window glass and penetration resistant sheet are secured to the frame, but the floating sheet is unconstrained by the frame. The penetration resistant window is useful in architectural, residential and institutional applications for resisting debris penetration during hurricanes.

Abstract: The variable view window enables a user to change the views possible through a window from a given perspective point. One embodiment includes two variable prisms, temperature regulating element, insulating layer, mounting structures, actuator, and software. Objectives of this new art are to maximize refraction, control dipersion, and minimize physical motion.

Abstract: The facade unit (1) has three plate sections (2, 3, 4). The intermediate space (5) facing the building interior is filled with gas, the exterior intermediate space (6) being filled with a circulating liquid (7) which is dyed or pigmented in such a way that it absorbs infrared light but is at least partially transparent for visible light. This ensures that the building interior is well shaded from heat radiation and provides and efficient means of acquiring heat energy. The efficiency can be increased further by various methods.

Abstract: An assembly system used to build two pane thermoacoustic windows for houses and buildings is provided. The assembly system uses a set of profiles and joints and a permanently installed valve to assemble the window frame without a fusion welding machine. The system creates an airtight chamber directly on the frame. The valve allows the assembler to evacuate the air in the airtight chamber to make a vacuum, or to inflow a gas. The system improves the insulating thermal and acoustic capacity of the window, and allows a supplier to sell the components to build the window, which is then assembled by snapping together profiles and joints. The system can also be applied to assembly one pane window and for other purposes.