Patents by Inventor Greg Brecht
Greg Brecht 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: 10843961Abstract: This invention relates to an insulating glass (IG) window unit designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. The IG window unit includes at least first, second and third substrates (e.g., glass substrates). 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, and wherein at least two of the substrates are laminated to one another via a polymer-based laminating film (e.g., of or including PVB, EVA, or SGP) that may have a high UV absoprtion. The UV reflecting coating is preferably patterned so that it is not provided across the entirety of the IG window unit. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and bird deaths can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLCInventors: Jian-gang Weng, Sarah Wansack, Greg Brecht, Robert A. Vandal
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Publication number: 20190084874Abstract: This invention relates to an insulating glass (IG) window unit designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. The IG window unit includes at least first, second and third substrates (e.g., glass substrates). 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, and wherein at least two of the substrates are laminated to one another via a polymer-based laminating film (e.g., of or including PVB, EVA, or SGP) that may have a high UV absoprtion. The UV reflecting coating is preferably patterned so that it is not provided across the entirety of the IG window unit. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and bird deaths can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Jian-gang WENG, Sarah WANSACK, Greg BRECHT, Robert A. VANDAL
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Patent number: 9971194Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLCInventors: Greg Brecht, Daniel F. Prone, Timothy J. Frey, Jean-Marc Sol, Robert A. Vandal
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Publication number: 20170192299Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Greg BRECHT, Daniel F. PRONE, Timothy J. FREY, Jean-Marc SOL, Robert A. VANDAL
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Patent number: 9557595Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Greg Brecht, Daniel F. Prone, Timothy J. Frey, Jean-Marc Sol, Robert A. Vandal
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Patent number: 9312417Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Robert A. Vandal, Greg Brecht, Vincent E. Ruggero, II
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Publication number: 20150219938Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Greg BRECHT, Daniel F. PRONE, Timothy J. FREY, Jean-Marc SOL, Robert A. VANDAL
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Patent number: 8941788Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Greg Brecht, Daniel F. Prone, Timothy J. Frey, Jean-Marc Sol, Robert A. Vandal
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Patent number: 8834664Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle. In certain example embodiments, holes are provided in a PV module sandwiched between two substrates, the holes being shaped and arranged within the PV module so as to allow light transmission into the vehicle at desired level while still being substantially filled by the laminate or adhesive material used to secure the PV module to the two surrounding substrates.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Greg Brecht, Vincent E. Ruggero, II, Timothy J. Frey, Robert A. Vandal
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Publication number: 20140176836Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES CORP.Inventors: Greg BRECHT, Daniel F. PRONE, Timothy J. FREY, Jean-Marc SOL, Robert A. VANDAL
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Patent number: 8585225Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)Inventors: Kevin J. O'Connor, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Duane O. Recker, Robert A. Vandal, Shane Hadfield, Jean-Marc Sol, Greg Brecht
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Patent number: 8303124Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)Inventors: Kevin O'Connor, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Duane O. Recker, Robert A. Vandal, Shane Hadfield, Jean-Marc Sol, Greg Brecht
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Publication number: 20120260974Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle. In certain example embodiments, holes are provided in a PV module sandwiched between two substrates, the holes being shaped and arranged within the PV module so as to allow light transmission into the vehicle at desired level while still being substantially filled by the laminate or adhesive material used to secure the PV module to the two surrounding substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: Guardian Industries CorporationInventors: Greg Brecht, Vincent E. Ruggero, II, Timothy J. Frey, Robert A. Vandal
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Publication number: 20120097218Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Robert A. Vandal, Greg Brecht, Vincent E. Ruggero, II
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Publication number: 20110085257Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Kevin O'Connor, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Duane O. Recker, Robert A. Vandal, Shane M. Hadfield, Jean-Marc Sol, Greg Brecht
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Patent number: 7871664Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)Inventors: Kevin O'Connor, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Duane O. Recker, Robert A. Vandal, Shane Hadfield, Jean-Marc Sol, Greg Brecht
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Publication number: 20100229853Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. In certain example embodiments, a bracket or pad is bonded to a reflecting panel. The bracket has at least one fastening element protruding therefrom. The fastening element cooperates with at least a hole formed in a mounting frame for securing the panel to a frame, e.g., in mounting the panel. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element comprises two deformable tabs. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element is a shoulder screw that cooperates with a keyhole and slot arrangement provided to the mounting frame, with the shoulder screw being held in place by an optional spring clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Robert A. Vandal, Greg Brecht, David Riggs
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Publication number: 20070223096Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Kevin O'Connor, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Duane Recker, Robert A. Vandal, Shane Hadfield, Jean-Marc Sol, Greg Brecht