Abstract: A vehicle glazing comprising a glass substrate having an electrically conductive coating deposited on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof, wherein the electrically conductive coating comprises a pyrolytically deposited transparent conductive oxide layer, wherein a peripheral obscuration band printed on at least a portion of the electrically conductive coating, a cured electrically conductive ink printed on the peripheral obscuration band, and an electrically conductive element in electrical contact with both the electrically conductive coating and the cured electrically conductive ink. Also disclosed are a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing and a vehicle comprising said vehicle glazing.

Abstract: A switchable glazing unit comprising a glazing panel spaced apart from a pane of glazing material by a perimeter seal is described. The glazing panel comprises first and second glass sheets. A first electrode layer is on a first major surface of the first glass sheet and a second electrode layer is on a first major surface of the second glass sheet. A layer of liquid crystal material is between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. When no voltage is applied to the first and second electrode layers, the liquid crystal layer has a first opacity, and upon applying a suitable voltage between the first and second electrode layers, the liquid crystal layer has a second opacity different to the first opacity. Methods of making such a switchable glazing unit are also described.

Abstract: A glazing having a device for detecting a crack in the glazing comprises a sensor, substantially circumscribing a ply of glazing material. A surface contact, bonded to the glazing, is configured with a portion of the sensor to form a capacitive coupling for transferring AC signals in a frequency range. Preferably the sensor is frangible and voltage may be applied by a second surface contact. Alternatively, the glazing further comprises an electrically resistive element, such as a coating for heating the glazing, and voltage may be applied to the sensor by a spur from a busbar such that damage to coating, busbar or sensor resulting in arcing is detectable at the surface contact. An electronics module attached to the surface contact generates an alarm.

Abstract: A laminated glazing comprising an SPD ply comprising a suspended particle device having a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state, at least one interlayer ply comprising an interlayer material, and at least one glazing ply is disclosed. The interlayer material has been dried to a predetermined moisture content to increase the time over which the suspended particle device is switchable between the low light transmission off-state and the high light transmission on-state. Use of a dried interlayer to increase the time over which an SPD film is switchable between a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state is also disclosed. Additionally a process for producing the aforementioned laminated glazing is disclosed. It has been found that the moisture content of the interlayer material is a factor in determining the switching characteristics over time of an SPD film incorporated into a laminated glazing.

Abstract: A method of switching an electrically actuated variable transmission layer is disclosed. The layer is between a first electrode and a second electrode, and when a sufficiently high frequency alternating electric field is applied between the first and second electrodes, a selective region of the layer in between the first and second electrodes is switched. Apparatus for use as a glazing pane having a sheet of glazing material and an electrically actuated variable transmission layer facing the sheet of glazing material is also disclosed. The layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. There is an electric field generator in electrical communication with the electrodes and being configured to produce an alternating electric field of sufficient strength and of a sufficiently high frequency to switch a selected region of the layer in between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A switchable film assembly having remote electrical connections comprises an active layer between first and second electrically conductive layers. The active layer has an optical transmission which changes upon projecting an electric field therethrough. An electrical connection connects the film to a power supply and can comprise a remote electrical connector region provided remote to the first and second electrically conductive layers, such upon connecting the film assembly to the power supply, an electrical field may be projected through at least a portion of the switchable film assembly thereby changing the optical transmission of the active layer.

Abstract: A laminated glazing comprising an SPD ply comprising a suspended particle device having a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state, at least one interlayer ply comprising an interlayer material, and at least one glazing ply is disclosed. The interlayer material has been dried to a predetermined moisture content to increase the time over which the suspended particle device is switchable between the low light transmission off-state and the high light transmission on-state. Use of a dried interlayer to increase the time over which an SPD film is switchable between a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state is also disclosed. Additionally a process for producing the aforementioned laminated glazing is disclosed. It has been found that the moisture content of the interlayer material is a factor in determining the switching characteristics over time of an SPD film incorporated into a laminated glazing.

Abstract: A switchable film assembly having remote electrical connections comprises an active layer between first and second electrically conductive layers. The active layer has an optical transmission which changes upon projecting an electric field therethrough. An electrical connection connects the film to a power supply and can comprise a remote electrical connector region provided remote to the first and second electrically conductive layers, such upon connecting the film assembly to the power supply, an electrical field may be projected through at least a portion of the switchable film assembly thereby changing the optical transmission of the active layer.

Abstract: A method of switching an electrically actuated variable transmission layer is disclosed. The layer is between a first electrode and a second electrode, and when a sufficiently high frequency alternating electric field is applied between the first and second electrodes, a selective region of the layer in between the first and second electrodes is switched. Apparatus for use as a glazing pane having a sheet of glazing material and an electrically actuated variable transmission layer facing the sheet of glazing material is also disclosed. The layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. There is an electric field generator in electrical communication with the electrodes and being configured to produce an alternating electric field of sufficient strength and of a sufficiently high frequency to switch a selected region of the layer in between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A glazing comprising a pane of glazing material, and a substantially continuous area of transparent, electrically conductive material printed using an electrically conductive ink onto a surface of the pane, wherein the ink is of a composition comprising a fluid vehicle (e.g. a solvent) and two different metal species (e.g. tin and indium), said fluid vehicle being driven off in a high-temperature post-printing step, and the conductive material is capable of functioning as one or more of the following: (a) a heating element for heating an area of the glazing; (b) an alarm sensor for detecting when the structural integrity of the glazing has been compromised; (c) a capacitive proximity sensor for detecting an approach to, or contact with, a surface of the glazing; (d) an electrical connection to an electrical device associated with the glazing; (e) an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The glazing may also be a laminate.