Patents by Inventor Eric Bjergaard
Eric Bjergaard 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).
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Patent number: 11934055Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Publication number: 20240027865Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Nicolas Le Houx, Hari Atkuri, Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard
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Publication number: 20230400724Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard, Hari Atkuri, Nicholas Schleder
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Patent number: 11774825Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Nicolas Le Houx, Hari Atkuri, Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard
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Publication number: 20230296952Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Patent number: 11740497Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard, Hari Atkuri, Nicholas Schieder
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Patent number: 11698562Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Publication number: 20230044604Abstract: An electrically dynamic window structure may include first and second panes of transparent material and an electrically controllable optically active material positioned between the two panes. A driver can be electrically connected to electrode layers carried by the two panes. The driver may be configured to alternate between a drive phase in which a drive signal is applied to the electrode layers and an idle phase in which the drive signal is not applied to the electrode layers. The electrically controllable optically active material can maintain its transition state during the idle phase. As a result, the power consumption of the structure may be reduced as compared to if the driver continuously delivers the drive signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Hari Atkuri, Eric Bjergaard
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Publication number: 20230032677Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Patent number: 11474385Abstract: An electrically dynamic window structure may include first and second panes of transparent material and an electrically controllable optically active material positioned between the two panes. A driver can be electrically connected to electrode layers carried by the two panes. The driver may be configured to alternate between a drive phase in which a drive signal is applied to the electrode layers and an idle phase in which the drive signal is not applied to the electrode layers. The electrically controllable optically active material can maintain its transition state during the idle phase. As a result, the power consumption of the structure may be reduced as compared to if the driver continuously delivers the drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Hari Atkuri, Eric Bjergaard
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Patent number: 11467439Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Publication number: 20220276525Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard, Hari Atkuri, Nicholas Schleder
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Publication number: 20220276515Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Patent number: 11360364Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Patent number: 11333912Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard, Hari Atkuri, Nicholas Schleder
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Patent number: 11111720Abstract: A driver may be used to drive an electrically controllable optically active material in a privacy structure. In some examples, the driver receives power from a power source at a supply voltage and a supply apparent power level and converts the power received from the power source down to a converted voltage and a converted apparent power level. The converted voltage is less than the supply voltage and the converted apparent power level is less than the supply apparent power level. The driver may deliver power at the converted voltage and the converted apparent power level to a voltage convertor, which increase the converted voltage to an operating voltage. The driver can further condition power received from the voltage convertor having the operating voltage and operating apparent power level to provide a drive signal and provide the drive signal the electrically controllable optically active material of the privacy structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Chad Peters, Nicholas Schleder, Eric Bjergaard
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Publication number: 20210240031Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
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Publication number: 20210214995Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio
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Publication number: 20210124228Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Nicolas Le Houx, Hari Atkuri, Andrew DeMiglio, Eric Bjergaard
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Patent number: 10989945Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters