Patents Assigned to Guardian Glass, LLC
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Patent number: 11940383Abstract: A method and/or system is provided for detecting and/or identifying inclusions (e.g., nickel sulfide based inclusions/defects) in glass such as soda-lime-silica based float glass. In certain example instances, during and/or after the glass-making process, following the stage in the float process where the glass sheet is formed and floated on a molten material (e.g., tin bath) and cooled or allowed to cool such as via an annealing lehr, energy such as infrared (IR) energy is directed at the resulting glass and reflectance at various wavelengths is analyzed to detect inclusions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLCInventor: Okan Agbuga
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Patent number: 11850824Abstract: In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided, More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally, may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
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Patent number: 11841519Abstract: A window unit is designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. The window unit may include first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates) spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. The UV reflecting coating is preferably patterned so that it is not provided across the entirety of the window unit. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and bird deaths can be reduced. The UV reflecting coating is designed to have high UV reflectance across a large range of viewing angles.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Francis Wuillaume, Jian-Gang Weng
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Patent number: 11834900Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a motor-driven dynamic shade provided in an insulating glass (IG) unit, and/or associated methods. A spacer system helps maintain first and second substrates in substantially parallel spaced apart relation to one another and defines a gap therebetween. A shade and a motor are provided in the gap. The motor, provided close to a first peripheral edge of the IG unit, is dynamically controllable to cause the shade to extend towards a second peripheral edge of the IG unit opposite the first peripheral edge and to cause the shade to retract from the second peripheral edge towards the first peripheral edge. The shade may be electrostatically couplable to one of the first and second substrates when the shade is extended via complementary electrostatic connection areas provided to the shade and the one of the first and second substrates.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Lindsay Horn, John Matuszewski, Jason Theios
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Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit with metal alloy spacers, and/or methods of making the same
Patent number: 11802436Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers provided between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrate. Certain example embodiments relate to a VIG window unit including spacers (e.g., pillars) of or including a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., Zr and/or Cu based amorphous alloy). Such metal alloy spacers advantageously reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and can increase the center of glass R-value of the VIG window unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Jason Blush, Jason Theios, Timothy Hodapp -
Patent number: 11790809Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a box or other viewer that accommodates one or more glass-inclusive samples and that is usable in a plurality of different configurations to facilitate evaluation of the sample(s) from indoor and outdoor viewing perspectives. The sample viewer is “convertible” between a transportation configuration and the indoor and outdoor viewing perspective configurations. For example, certain example embodiments may be used as glass-inclusive sample shipping and storage containers that transform into miniature mockup walls with little manual effort and with little risk of human viewers looking at glass the wrong way (e.g., a manner that would lead to a false impression of the visual aesthetic of the sample(s) therein). The glass-inclusive sample(s) may include one or more uncoated or coated glass sheets, insulated glass (IG) units, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units, laminated products, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventor: Alexander Sobolev
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Patent number: 11762274Abstract: A projection screen including a capacitive touch panel, such as a projected capacitive touch panel. The touch panel includes first and second glass substrates, one of which is patterned (e.g., etched with acid or the like) to form a diffuser. A conductive coating is formed on the patterned surface of the diffuser glass substrate, and is patterned into a plurality of electrodes for the touch panel. The system, including an optional projector, may be used as an interactive transparent display for augmented reality applications such as storefronts. The touch panel may also be used in applications such as capacitive touch panels for controlling showers, appliances, vending machines, electronics, electronic devices, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Willem Den Boer, Jason J. Blush, Eric W. Akkashian
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Patent number: 11707919Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLCInventors: Jason Blush, Timothy J. Frey, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
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Publication number: 20230177744Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an electronic device, including a user interface, and processing resources including at least one processor and a memory. The memory stores a program executable by the processing resources to simulate a view of an image through at least one viewer-selected product that is virtually interposed between a viewer using the electronic device and the image by performing functionality including: acquiring the image; facilitating viewer selection of the at least one product in connection with the user interface; retrieving display properties associated with the at least one viewer-selected product; generating, for each said viewer-selected product, a filter to be applied to the acquired image based on retrieved display properties; and generating, for display via the electronic device, an output image corresponding to the generated filter(s) being applied to the acquired image. The electronic device in certain example embodiments may be a smartphone, tablet, and/or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2023Publication date: June 8, 2023Applicant: Guardian Glass, LLCInventors: Alexander Sobolev, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
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Patent number: 11634942Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers, supported by one or more resilient polymer-based layers. A first set of electrostatic forces help cause the shutter to extend and remain in an extended position, whereas an electric field can be setup to help encourage the retraction of the shutter from an extended or at least partially extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventor: Jeffrey Koskulics
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Patent number: 11635803Abstract: A detection system has an interface including a substrate supporting a conductive coating. Electrodes are provided to the substrate. A multiplexer provides current to the electrodes. A demultiplexer receives voltages from electrodes and provides corresponding signals to a controller. The controller receives these signals and determines therefrom an operation performed in connection with the interface by applying an algorithmic approach. Static interaction is recognizable, and machine learning can be used for gesture recognition and/or identification of other interaction types. The technology can be used in a broad array of applications, e.g., where it is desirable to sense interactions with a defined region such as, for example, in the case of touches, gestures, hovers, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Ryan Andersen, Okan Agbuga, Xuequn Hu, Robert G. Rogers
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Patent number: 11635804Abstract: A detection system has an interface including a substrate supporting a conductive coating. Electrodes are provided to the substrate. A multiplexer provides current to the electrodes. A demultiplexer receives voltages from electrodes and provides corresponding signals to a controller. The controller receives these signals and determines therefrom an operation performed in connection with the interface by applying an algorithmic approach. Static interaction is recognizable, and machine learning can be used for gesture recognition and/or identification of other interaction types. The technology can be used in a broad array of applications, e.g., where it is desirable to sense interactions with a defined region such as, for example, in the case of touches, gestures, hovers, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Okan Agbuga, Xuequn Hu, Ali Mohammadkhah, Paul Topping
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Patent number: 11603330Abstract: A coated glass substrate is disclosed as well as a method of making the coated glass substrate. The coated glass substrate comprises a glass substrate and a coating on a surface of the glass substrate wherein the coating includes a binder. The binder may include an interpenetrating network. For example, the network may include a crosslinked polyacrylate and a crosslinked polyacrylamide. In addition, the transparency of the coated substrate after one of the following conditions may be within 10% of the transparency of the coated substrate prior to the condition: (i) wherein the coated substrate is stored at a temperature of 0° C. or less and then exposed to an environment at 21° C. and 70% humidity or (ii) wherein the coated substrate is positioned within 100° C. steam for one minute.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventor: Liang Liang
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Patent number: 11600027Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an electronic device, including a user interface, and processing resources including at least one processor and a memory. The memory stores a program executable by the processing resources to simulate a view of an image through at least one viewer-selected product that is virtually interposed between a viewer using the electronic device and the image by performing functionality including: acquiring the image; facilitating viewer selection of the at least one product in connection with the user interface; retrieving display properties associated with the at least one viewer-selected product; generating, for each said viewer-selected product, a filter to be applied to the acquired image based on retrieved display properties; and generating, for display via the electronic device, an output image corresponding to the generated filter(s) being applied to the acquired image. The electronic device in certain example embodiments may be a smartphone, tablet, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Alexander Sobolev, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
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Patent number: 11560331Abstract: A coated glass substrate and a method of making the glass substrate is disclosed. The method comprises the following: providing a coating formulation on a glass substrate wherein the coating formulation comprises at least one polymerizable compound, a glass frit, and a non-crosslinked polymer and heating the coating formulation on the glass substrate. The coated glass substrate includes a coating provided on a surface of a glass substrate wherein the coating comprises a semi-interpenetrating polymer network including a non-crosslinked polymer and a glass frit. The coating exhibits a stud pull of about 275 psi or more.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Liang Liang, Suresh Devisetti
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Patent number: 11513337Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an insulating glass (IG) unit. A spacer is interposed between first and second substrates. The spacer helps maintain the substrates in substantially parallel spaced apart relation to one another, and helps define a cavity therebetween. First and second exterior surfaces of the spacer face interior surfaces of the first and second substrates, respectively. Third and fourth exterior surface of the spacer face towards and away from the cavity, respectively. A membrane is provided over at least a part of the fourth exterior surface of the spacer. A pin protrudes through holes in the third and fourth exterior surfaces of the spacer, and through the membrane. The pin is formed from an electrically conducting material. A structural seal for the IG unit is provided external to the spacer and at least partially surrounds a portion of the pin that protrudes through the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: John Matuszewski, Lance Altizer
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Patent number: 11498867Abstract: A coated article incudes a low-emissivity (low-E) coating having at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of or including a material such as silver or the like. The low-E coating is designed so that the coated article can realize a low U-value in combination with a high solar heat gain (g value). In the top dielectric portion of the coating above the silver, a high-low-high refractive index sequence is provided. This allows for a low U-value and a higher g value to be obtained for a given silver thickness. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignees: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC, GUARDIAN EUROPE S.A.R.L.Inventors: Bernd Disteldorf, Anton Dietrich, Francis Wuillaume
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Publication number: 20220333434Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and layers on opposing surfaces thereof. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 20, 2022Applicant: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: JASON BLUSH, LINDSAY HORN, RUDOLPH H. PETRMICHL, JOSHUA FINCH
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Patent number: 11428040Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and a conductive layer. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position, and a second voltage is applied to a stop to electrostatically hold the shutter in the closed position. The first and second voltage levels can be reduced once the shutter is extended to the closed position, the reduction to the first voltage level being greater than the reduction to the second voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Koskulics, Joshua Finch, David Lawrence
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Patent number: 11421470Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. The on-glass transparent conductor may be patterned into different areas. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Yabei Gu, Rudolph Petrmichl