Patents by Inventor Michael D. Broekhuis

Michael D. Broekhuis 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: 20210308991
    Abstract: A laminate comprising a printed interlayer, a first sheet of plastic or glass and a second sheet of plastic or glass. The interlayer is bonded between the first sheet and the second sheet. In another configuration, the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together by the interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan Byker
  • Publication number: 20210221104
    Abstract: Novel multilayer laminates and lamination methods useful for the production of safety glass are disclosed in which an interlayer is provided between substrates and a porous sealant material is provided in a strip around the perimeter of the interlayer and at least partially in-between the substrates adjacent the interlayer. The space between the substrates is evacuated or de-aired through the porous sealant. The porous sealant is then made into a non-porous, continuous perimeter seal by pressing at or near room temperature or at a moderately elevated temperature to remove pores or gaps. The laminate is further processed at higher elevated temperatures either at or near atmospheric pressure or at elevated pressure to increase the bonding between the interlayer and the substrates and to eliminate most or all of the initial texture on the surfaces of the interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Jeffrey L. Lameris
  • Publication number: 20200370366
    Abstract: A switchable windows and a threat sensing or detection system used together to protect against, minimize or mitigate a threat. The threat sensing or detection system provides a signal that may be used to automatically switch a switchable window to the more scattering or privacy condition when a threat is detected. The switchable window may also be a bullet resistant window. Obstructing the ability to view people on the privacy or what is often referred to in the ballistics industry as the witness side of the switchable windows provides a dramatic level of security, safety and protection from a threat like an active shooter or thieves on the threat side of the windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan Byker
  • Publication number: 20200040576
    Abstract: A transparent sheet having connection members. The transparent laminate includes an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a central region. The transparent laminate defines a cavity. The monolithic sheet will comprise of at least one cavity and access opening cut into and/or through the monolithic sheet. Connection members are positionable within the cavity of the transparent sheet. A cover may be incorporated into the transparent sheet to form the cavity and or the access opening. Additionally, an obscuring layer may be incorporated to obscure at least portions of the cavity. Interfaces may be coupled to the connection members and secured to the transparent sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Michael D. Broekhuis
  • Publication number: 20190232619
    Abstract: Novel multilayer laminates and lamination methods useful for the production of safety glass are disclosed in which an interlayer is provided between substrates and a porous sealant material is provided in a strip around the perimeter of the interlayer and at least partially in-between the substrates adjacent the interlayer. The space between the substrates is evacuated or de-aired through the porous sealant. The porous sealant is then made into a non-porous, continuous perimeter seal by pressing at or near room temperature or at a moderately elevated temperature to remove pores or gaps. The laminate is further processed at higher elevated temperatures either at or near atmospheric pressure or at elevated pressure to increase the bonding between the interlayer and the substrates and to eliminate most or all of the initial texture on the surfaces of the interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Jeffrey L. Lameris
  • Publication number: 20170028686
    Abstract: An environmentally durable window glass unit is provided with improved edge sealing to protect the interlayer of one or more laminates that make up the unit. The insulated glass unit includes a first pane comprising an outboard glass sheet, an inboard sheet and an interlayer therebetween. The inboard sheet is smaller in length and/or width than the outboard sheet. The glass unit also includes a second pane spaced away from and sealed to the first pane. A gas space is located between the inboard sheet of the first pane and the second pane. A spacer is positioned between the first pane and the second pane. The spacer is adhered to the inboard sheet of the first pane and to the second pane with a primary seal. A second seal adheres the outboard sheet of the first pane to the second pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward L. Wilson, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker
  • Patent number: 9465239
    Abstract: A combination of layers comprised of: 1) a first LETC layer; 2) a second LETC layer and 3) a separator layer between the two LETC layers 4) an additive within at least one of the LETC layers and the separator layer wherein when the layers are laminated between two sheets of clear glass the color coordinate values of the laminate are about ?8.5?a*?about 8.5 and about ?8.5?b*?about 8.5 throughout the temperature range of about 0° C. to about 85° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Anderson, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Samuel J. DeJong
  • Patent number: 9321251
    Abstract: Alternating layers of a first moisture sensitive layer are formed with a second desiccant containing layer. The desiccant containing layer removes moisture from the first moisture sensitive layer and maintains the first layer in a relatively dry condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Samuel J. DeJong, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker
  • Patent number: 9128307
    Abstract: A window comprising at least one thermochromic layer and a film comprising multiple layers of polymer with alternating refractive index (MLARI). The thermochromic layer has a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation such that the absorbance increases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer increases and the absorbance decreases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer decreases. Particularly useful thermochromic materials are ligand exchange thermochromic materials. In various embodiments, the window may have multiple panes and may incorporate a low-e layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20140327952
    Abstract: A combination of layers comprised of: 1) a first LETC layer; 2) a second LETC layer and 3) a separator layer between the two LETC layers 4) an additive within at least one of the LETC layers and the separator layer wherein when the layers are laminated between two sheets of clear glass the color coordinate values of the laminate are about ?8.5?a*?about 8.5 and about ?8.5?b*?about 8.5 throughout the temperature range of about 0° C. to about 85° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Anderson, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Samuel J. DeJong
  • Publication number: 20140134367
    Abstract: A stack or roll of alternating layers of films or sheets. The stack or roll includes an interlayer film or sheet with a thermochromic PVB of a polymer, at least one transition metal ion, at least one high epsilon ligand capable of forming a high epsilon metal-ligand complex with the transition metal ion and at least one low epsilon ligand capable of forming an low epsilon metal-ligand complex with the transition metal ion. A desiccant-containing film or sheet is juxtaposed or interleaved with the interlayer film or sheet. The desiccant-containing film or sheet prevents blocking of the interlayer film or sheet and is capable of removing moisture from the interlayer film or sheet. The desiccant-containing film or sheet is releasably attached to the interlayer film or sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Samuel J. DeJong, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker
  • Publication number: 20130286461
    Abstract: A multilayer laminate and, more particularly a variable transmission window, which comprises: a) a thermochromic layer b) a photochromic layer wherein the thermochromic layer exhibits a net increase in its ability to absorb UV, visible, and/or near infrared light energy as the temperature of the system increases and a net decrease in its ability to absorb UV, visible and/or near infrared light energy as the temperature of the system decreases within the active range of the thermochromic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Christopher D. Anderson, Curtis J. Liposcak
  • Publication number: 20130229702
    Abstract: A window comprising at least one thermochromic layer and a film comprising multiple layers of polymer with alternating refractive index (MLARI). The thermochromic layer has a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation such that the absorbance increases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer increases and the absorbance decreases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer decreases. Particularly useful thermochromic materials are ligand exchange thermochromic materials. In various embodiments, the window may have multiple panes and may incorporate a low-e layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 8154788
    Abstract: An energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when sunlight is absent or at high sun angles and substantially blocks solar radiation when sunlight is directly on the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Millett, Michael D. Broekhuis, Jr., Harlan J. Byker, Paul H. Ogburn, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110075244
    Abstract: An energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when sunlight is absent or at high sun angles and substantially blocks solar radiation when sunlight is directly on the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: PLEOTINT, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick A. Millett, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Paul H. Ogburn, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100316846
    Abstract: Alternating layers of a first moisture sensitive layer are formed with a second desiccant containing layer. The desiccant containing layer removes moisture from the first moisture sensitive layer and maintains the first layer in a relatively dry condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: PLEOTINT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Samuel J. DeJong, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker
  • Patent number: 7817328
    Abstract: An energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when sunlight is absent or at high sun angles and substantially blocks solar radiation when sunlight is directly on the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Pleotint, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Millett, Michael D. Broekhuis, Harlan J. Byker, Paul H. Ogburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6533355
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism in a chair operates automatically by raising and lowering a chair component such as a chair back. The height adjustment mechanism is provided on a chair back or other chair support and includes a gear which engages a rack member that is vertically movable relative thereto in response to movement of the chair back. A locking member is provided which engages the gear to prevent downward movement of the chair back while still permitting upward movement of the chair back. A disengagement member also is provided to separate the gear and the locking member and maintain the gear in a disengaged position that permits lowering of the chair back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Patrick C. Nelson, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Stephen J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20020140266
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism in a chair operates automatically by raising and lowering a chair component such as a chair back. The height adjustment mechanism is provided on a chair back or other chair support and includes a gear which engages a rack member that is vertically movable relative thereto in response to movement of the chair back. A locking member is provided which engages the gear to prevent downward movement of the chair back while still permitting upward movement of the chair back. A disengagement member also is provided to separate the gear and the locking member and maintain the gear in a disengaged position that permits lowering of the chair back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Patrick C. Nelson, Richard N. Roslund, Stephen J. Simpson