Patents by Inventor Mark E. Gardiner

Mark E. Gardiner 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).

  • Publication number: 20230235868
    Abstract: An optical panel deploys stacks of spaced apart louvers with reflective surface for redirecting exterior sunlight to day light the interior of room ceiling distal from windows. The reflective surfaces my be shaped with modulations in shape to enhance the spreading of reflected light under various lighting conditions that occur as the sun moves through the sky during the day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventor: MARK E GARDINER
  • Patent number: 11698174
    Abstract: A device for day lighting the interior of structure deploys reflective louvers that are spaced apart in stacks. The louvers include a coating or multilayer structure that is operative to reflect visible light but transmit IR light through the louver. The louvers also have a retro-reflective structure to return the IR light by reverse reflection in the opposite direction of the incident light, which is back toward the sun. The interior of the structure is more uniformly illuminated with visible light while the louvers and interior are not heated by IR light or radiation from the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20220252234
    Abstract: A device for day lighting the interior of structure deploys reflective louvers that are spaced apart in stacks. The louvers include a coating or multilayer structure that is operative to reflect visible light but transmit IR light through the louver. The louvers also have a retro-reflective structure to return the IR light by reverse reflection in the opposite direction of the incident light, which is back toward the sun. The interior of the structure is more uniformly illuminated with visible light while the louvers and interior are not heated by IR light or radiation from the sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: MARK E GARDINER
  • Patent number: 11248763
    Abstract: A external light control device for equatorially located building utilizes tilting external light shelves that are capable of tilting backward (toward the building) from a vertical orientation to reflect low am (or late pm) sun away from occupants, but are deployed at a tilt away from the building exterior to capture more sun closer to noon time. The structure preferably integrate IR rejecting coating for incident light which is re-directed by TIR surface disposed normal to the thin film layers in a multi-layer IR reflective coating. The panel may be monolithic or comprise tilting louvers, which can be metallic, dielectric, or TIR reflectors. The louvers preferably also tilt in response to the determined sun position with the panel to optimize light utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20200348003
    Abstract: A external light control device for equatorially located building utilizes tilting external light shelves that are capable of tilting backward (toward the building) from a vertical orientation to reflect low am (or late pm) sun away from occupants, but are deployed at a tilt away from the building exterior to capture more sun closer to noon time. The structure preferably integrate IR rejecting coating for incident light which is re-directed by TIR surface disposed normal to the thin film layers in a multi-layer IR reflective coating. The panel may be monolithic or comprise tilting louvers, which can be metallic, dielectric, or TIR reflectors. The louvers preferably also tilt in response to the determined sun position with the panel to optimize light utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventor: MARK E. GARDINER
  • Patent number: 10683979
    Abstract: A external light control device for equatorially located building utilizes tilting external light shelves that are capable of tilting backward (toward the building) from a vertical orientation to reflect low am (or late pm) sun away from occupants, but are deployed at a tilt away from the building exterior to capture more sun closer to noon time. The structure preferably integrate IR rejecting coating for incident light which is re-directed by TIR surface disposed normal to the thin film layers in a multi-layer IR reflective coating. The panel may be monolithic or comprise tilting louvers, which can be metallic, dielectric, or TIR reflectors. The louvers preferably also tilt in response to the determined sun position with the panel to optimize light utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 10677405
    Abstract: A high efficiency daylight directing structure for application on fenestration deploys closely spaced macroscopic bars of transparent resin to eliminate different forms of glare. The spaced apart surfaces provide for efficient reflection of selective incident light, by TIR or metallic surfaces, via the ultra-smooth native surfaces from a mold or casting process. A close spacing is readily obtained in various attachment methods to boost efficiency. The fabrication method allows selective deposition of absorbing layers, such as by of painting/printing between alternating native optical surface to provide one way transparency at high angles of incidence. The bars are supported on at least one common planar surface by transparent support member with an optical quality adhesive material filling any imperfection in the bars common planar surface that form in fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20200137571
    Abstract: A generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays. Light directly louvers, films, sheets and panels deploy a grooves that re-direct exterior sunlight for deeper penetration into rooms and building interiors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: MARK E GARDINER
  • Patent number: 10538959
    Abstract: An automated ganged louver assembly is adjusted in orientation by an actuator in the louver header that suspends or supports the louver rotation mechanism. The actuator is energized in response to a determination of solar elevation, which is optionally from a light sensor output via a controller. The light sensor employs an optical element to detect at least one of the sun elevation and azimuth, as well as general exterior light levels. The solar elevation and azimuth can also be determined by calculations from the window orientation and latitude. The optical elements and the controller are coupled to at least one of the louvers or the louver header to provide a self contained system that does not require exterior power or controls, unless desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventors: Mark E Gardiner, David Allen Lockett, Robert Somers Ford
  • Patent number: 10458610
    Abstract: A generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays. Light directly louvers, films, sheets and panels deploy a grooves that re-direct exterior sunlight for deeper penetration into rooms and building interiors. Absorbing structure are combined with films or panel that while reducing total interior illumination, reduce the potential for annoying glare at low solar elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20190128491
    Abstract: A generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays. Light directly louvers, films, sheets and panels deploy a grooves that re-direct exterior sunlight for deeper penetration into rooms and building interiors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventor: MARK E GARDINER
  • Patent number: 10161585
    Abstract: A generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20180320850
    Abstract: A high efficiency daylight directing structure for application on fenestration deploys closely spaced macroscopic bars of transparent resin to eliminate different forms of glare. The spaced apart surfaces provide for efficient reflection of selective incident light, by TIR or metallic surfaces, via the ultra-smooth native surfaces from a mold or casting process. A close spacing is readily obtained in various attachment methods to boost efficiency. The fabrication method allows selective deposition of absorbing layers, such as by of painting/printing between alternating native optical surface to provide one way transparency at high angles of incidence. The bars are supported on at least one common planar surface by transparent support member with an optical quality adhesive material filling any imperfection in the bars common planar surface that form in fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: MARK E. GARDINER
  • Publication number: 20180106442
    Abstract: A external light control device for equatorially located building utilizes tilting external light shelves that are capable of tilting backward (toward the building) from a vertical orientation to reflect low am (or late pm) sun away from occupants, but are deployed at a tilt away from the building exterior to capture more sun closer to noon time. The structure preferably integrate IR rejecting coating for incident light which is re-directed by TIR surface disposed normal to the thin film layers in a multi-layer IR reflective coating. The panel may be monolithic or comprise tilting louvers, which can be metallic, dielectric, or TIR reflectors. The louvers preferably also tilt in response to the determined sun position with the panel to optimize light utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: MARK E. GARDINER
  • Patent number: 9803817
    Abstract: A high efficiency daylight directing structure for application on fenestration deploys closely spaced macroscopic bars of transparent resin to eliminate different forms of glare. The spaced apart surfaces provide for efficient reflection of selective incident light, by TIR or metallic surfaces, via the ultra-smooth native surfaces from a mold or casting process. A close spacing is readily obtained in various attachment methods to boost efficiency. The fabrication method allows selective deposition of absorbing layers, such as by of painting/printing between alternating native optical surface to provide one way transparency at high angles of incidence. The bars are supported on at least one common planar surface by transparent support member with an optical quality adhesive material filling any imperfection in the bars common planar surface that form in fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
  • Patent number: 9784030
    Abstract: Generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Gardiner, Robert Somers Ford
  • Publication number: 20160341383
    Abstract: A generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: MARK E. GARDINER
  • Publication number: 20160186488
    Abstract: An automated ganged louver assembly is adjusted in orientation by an actuator in the louver header that suspends or supports the louver rotation means. The actuator is energized in response to a determination of solar elevation, which is optionally from light sensor output via a controller. The light sensor deploys an optical element to detect at least one of the sun elevation and azimuth, as well as general exterior light levels. The solar elevation and azimuth can also be determined by calculations from the window orientation and latitude. The optical elements and controller means are coupler to at least one of the louvers or the louver header to provide a self containing system that does not require exterior power or controls, unless desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventors: MARK E GARDINER, David Allen Lockett, Robert Somers Ford
  • Publication number: 20160186948
    Abstract: Generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventors: MARK E. GARDINER, Robert Somers Ford, David Allen Lockett
  • Publication number: 20160076718
    Abstract: A high efficiency daylight directing structure for application on fenestration deploys closely spaced macroscopic bars of transparent resin to eliminate different forms of glare. The spaced apart surfaces provide for efficient reflection of selective incident light, by TIR or metallic surfaces, via the ultra-smooth native surfaces from a mold or casting process. A close spacing is readily obtained in various attachment methods to boost efficiency. The fabrication method allows selective deposition of absorbing layers, such as by of painting/printing between alternating native optical surface to provide one way transparency at high angles of incidence. The bars are supported on at least one common planar surface by transparent support member with an optical quality adhesive material filling any imperfection in the bars common planar surface that form in fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: MARK E GARDINER