Abstract: A reflective display tile can be used in connection with a static or video display. The tile includes a transparent substrate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral edge surrounding the front and rear surfaces, an electrostatic shutter array disposed at the front surface of said substrate, a reflective medium disposed at the rear surface of the substrate, and drive electronics disposed rearward of the reflective medium. The shutter array and drive electronics are configured so that the tile is tileable and can be abutted at any of its peripheral edges against identical tiles to form a display with substantially no perceived optical interface between adjacent tiles. Another embodiment includes an opaque substrate such as a circuit board. A further embodiment has a polymeric film coated on one side with a metal film and on another side with ink or blackening material.

Abstract: A shutter system includes a substrate having a front surface with a length and a width, and a conductive layer on a portion of the front surface of the substrate; a dielectric layer disposed on the conductive layer; and an electrostatic shutter having a proximal end attached to the dielectric layer such that a portion of the shutter is in direct physical contact with the dielectric layer at a point at or adjacent the attached proximal end. The shutter is configured to transition between extended and retracted configurations. In the same or an alternative embodiment, the system includes a reinforcement configured such that when the shutter is in the extended configuration, an edge at a distal end of the shutter opposite the proximal end remains substantially parallel to the proximal end of the shutter as the shutter transitions from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A reflective display tile can be used in connection with a static or video display. The tile includes a transparent substrate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral edge surrounding the front and rear surfaces, an electrostatic shutter array disposed at the front surface of said substrate, a reflective medium disposed at the rear surface of the substrate, and drive electronics disposed rearward of the reflective medium. The shutter array and drive electronics are configured so that the tile is tileable and can be abutted at any of its peripheral edges against identical tiles to form a display with substantially no perceived optical interface between adjacent tiles. Another embodiment includes an opaque substrate such as a circuit board. A further embodiment has a polymeric film coated on one side with a metal film and on another side with ink or blackening material.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit includes a spacer defining a framed area, first and second glazing panes attached to the spacer, a pane conductive layer on an inner surface of the first glazing pane, and a dielectric layer disposed on the pane conductive layer. A shade for use with the insulated glazing unit is affixed to the first glazing pane. The shade includes one or more layers selected from a resilient layer, a substantially transparent shade conductive layer, and an opaque shade conductive layer. When an electric drive is applied between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer, a potential difference between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer causes the shade to extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The shade can further include at least one ink coating layer including pigments that selectively reflect or absorb certain visible colors and infrared.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit includes a spacer defining a framed area, first and second glazing panes attached to the spacer, a pane conductive layer on an inner surface of the first glazing pane, and a dielectric layer disposed on the pane conductive layer. A shade for use with the insulated glazing unit is affixed to the first glazing pane. The shade includes one or more layers selected from a resilient layer, a substantially transparent shade conductive layer, and an opaque shade conductive layer. When an electric drive is applied between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer, a potential difference between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer causes the shade to extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The shade can further include at least one ink coating layer including pigments that selectively reflect or absorb certain visible colors and infrared.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit includes a spacer defining a framed area, first and second glazing panes attached to the spacer, a pane conductive layer on an inner surface of the first glazing pane, and a dielectric layer disposed on the pane conductive layer. A shade for use with the insulated glazing unit is affixed to the first glazing pane. The shade includes one or more layers selected from a resilient layer, a substantially transparent shade conductive layer, and an opaque shade conductive layer. When an electric drive is applied between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer, a potential difference between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer causes the shade to extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The shade can further include at least one ink coating layer including pigments that selectively reflect or absorb certain visible colors and infrared.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: A multi-color TFEL display includes a low ohm metal assist structure in electrical contact with the transparent electrodes to improve display brightness, and a light absorbing dark layer to increase display contrast.