Patents by Inventor Hermann N. Volltrauer

Hermann N. Volltrauer 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).

  • Photovoltaic powering and control system for electrochromic windows
    Patent number: 6055089
    Abstract: A sealed insulated glass unit is provided with an electrochromic device for modulating light passing through the unit. The electrochromic device is controlled from outside the unit by a remote control electrically unconnected to the device. Circuitry within the unit may be magnetically controlled from outside. The electrochromic device is powered by a photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells may be positioned so that at least a part of the light incident on the cell passes through the electrochromic device, providing a form of feedback control. A variable resistance placed in parallel with the electrochromic element is used to control the response of the electrochromic element to changes in output of the photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Schulz, Lech A. Michalski, Hermann N. Volltrauer, John E. Van Dine