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).

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9063284
    Abstract: Light control films, and a method for manufacturing tools used to microreplicate light control films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Vivian W. Jones, Silva K. Theiss, Mark E. Gardiner, Michael E. Lauters, Gary E. Gaides
  • Publication number: 20140376100
    Abstract: Light control films, and a method for manufacturing tools used to microreplicate light control films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Vivian W. Jones, Silva K. Theiss, Mark E. Gardiner, Michael E. Lauters, Gary E. Gaides
  • Patent number: 8885256
    Abstract: Optical films having anti-Moiré and anti-wetout features are described, along with systems and methods for making these optical films. A master used to make optical films is formed using a single axis actuator cutting along a trajectory that is out of plane with the surface of the master. Movement of the cutting tool along the trajectory cuts grooves having variable depth and variable pitch into the surface. Prisms formed from the master have variable depth, variable height prisms that provide anti-wetout and anti-Moiré features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Mark E. Gardiner, Alan B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8873146
    Abstract: Attachment methods for daylighting sheets and a resulting optical construction enable daylighting microstructures to be secured to a light incident surface, such as a glazing. Applying an adhesive to selected portions of the daylighting microstructures creates a transparent, optical adhesive surface that enables the daylighting microstructures to be oriented outward, facing the incident light, and effectively seals the microstructures against the glazing to prevent ingress of dust and contaminants that would degrade optical efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20140133030
    Abstract: Attachment methods for daylighting sheets and a resulting optical construction enable daylighting microstructures to be secured to a light incident surface, such as a glazing. Applying an adhesive to selected portions of the daylighting microstructures creates a transparent, optical adhesive surface that enables the daylighting microstructures to be oriented outward, facing the incident light, and effectively seals the microstructures against the glazing to prevent ingress of dust and contaminants that would degrade optical efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 8588574
    Abstract: A backlight includes a lightguide, a light source disposed with respect to the lightguide to introduce light into the lightguide and a turning film. Optical structures are formed in one of an output surface and a back surface of the lightguide. The optical structures are arranged to extract light from the lightguide. A back reflector is disposed adjacent the back surface. The optical structures are formed to include a varying pattern arranged to mask non-uniformities in the output of the lightguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Gardiner, Sanford Cobb, Jr., Kenneth A. Epstein, Wade D. Kretman
  • Publication number: 20130301150
    Abstract: Optical films having anti-Moiré and anti-wetout features are described, along with systems and methods for making these optical films. A master used to make optical films is formed using a single axis actuator cutting along a trajectory that is out of plane with the surface of the master. Movement of the cutting tool along the trajectory cuts grooves having variable depth and variable pitch into the surface. Prisms formed from the master have variable depth, variable height prisms that provide anti-wetout and anti-Moiré features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Mark E. Gardiner, Alan B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8503082
    Abstract: Optical films having anti-Moiré and anti-wetout features are described, along with systems and methods for making these optical films. A master used to make optical films is formed using a single axis actuator cutting along a trajectory that is out of plane with the surface of the master. Movement of the cutting tool along the trajectory cuts grooves having variable depth and variable pitch into the surface. Prisms formed from the master have variable depth, variable height prisms that provide anti-wetout and anti-Moiré features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Mark E. Gardiner, Alan B. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20120154885
    Abstract: Light control films, and a method for manufacturing tools used to microreplicate light control films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Vivian W. Jones, Silva K. Theiss, Mark E. Gardiner, Michael E. Lauters, Gary E. Gaides
  • Publication number: 20120058310
    Abstract: A method for cutting a pattern in a work piece (50), wherein the pattern includes adjacent features (52,53) separated by a pitch spacing P. The method includes providing a cutting tool assembly (74) having a first tool shank with a first cutting tip (22) to create a first feature (52) in the work piece (50) and a second tool shank with a second cutting tip (23) to create a second feature (53) in the work piece (50), wherein a distance Y between the first cutting tip and the second cutting tip is equal to nP, and wherein n is an odd integer greater than 1. The work piece is rotated (C) with respect to the cutting tool assembly (74), and the cutting tool is advanced along a lateral direction (B) with respect to the rotating work piece (50), wherein the cutting tool (74) is advanced along the lateral direction a distance of 2P for each rotation of the work piece (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Alan B. Campbell, Mark E. Gardiner, Robert Lee Erwin
  • Publication number: 20110032623
    Abstract: Optical films having anti-Moiré and anti-wetout features are described, along with systems and methods for making these optical films. A master used to make optical films is formed using a single axis actuator cutting along a trajectory that is out of plane with the surface of the master. Movement of the cutting tool along the trajectory cuts grooves having variable depth and variable pitch into the surface. Prisms formed from the master have variable depth, variable height prisms that provide anti-wetout and anti-Moiré features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Mark E. Gardiner, Alan B. Campbell