Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for laser ablating/scribing peripheral edges of a coating (e.g., a low-emissivity, mirror, or other coating) on a glass or other substrate in a pre- or post-laminated assembly, pre- or post-assembled insulated glass unit, and/or other product, in order to slow or prevent corrosion of the coating. For example, a 1064 nm or other wavelength laser may be used to scribe lines into the metal and/or metallic layer(s) in a low-emissivity or other coating provided in an already-laminated or already-assembled insulated glass unit or other product, e.g., around its periphery. The scribe lines decrease electron mobility from the center of the coating to the environment and, thus, slow and sometimes even prevent the onset of electrochemical corrosion. Associated products, methods, and kits relating to same also are contemplated herein.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for laser ablating/scribing peripheral edges of a coating (e.g., a low-emissivity, mirror, or other coating) on a glass or other substrate in a pre- or post-laminated assembly, pre- or post-assembled insulated glass unit, and/or other product, in order to slow or prevent corrosion of the coating. For example, a 1064 nm or other wavelength laser may be used to scribe lines into the metal and/or metallic layer(s) in a low-emissivity or other coating provided in an already-laminated or already-assembled insulated glass unit or other product, e.g., around its periphery. The scribe lines decrease electron mobility from the center of the coating to the environment and, thus, slow and sometimes even prevent the onset of electrochemical corrosion. Associated products, methods, and kits relating to same also are contemplated herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insulating glass (IG) window unit designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. The IG window unit includes at least first, second and third substrates (e.g., glass substrates). At least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window, and wherein at least two of the substrates are laminated to one another via a polymer-based laminating film (e.g., of or including PVB, EVA, or SGP) that may have a high UV absoprtion. The UV reflecting coating is preferably patterned so that it is not provided across the entirety of the IG window unit. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and bird deaths can be reduced.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle window has different glass substrates and a low-emissivity (low-E) coating on an interior surface thereof, so that the low-E coating is to be located adjacent and exposed to the vehicle interior. In certain example embodiments, the low-E coating includes a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer of a material such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO). In certain example embodiments, the exterior glass substrate contains more iron, and is thus more absorbing of IR radiation, than the interior glass substrate.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insulating glass (IG) window unit designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. The IG window unit includes at least first, second and third substrates (e.g., glass substrates). At least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window, and wherein at least two of the substrates are laminated to one another via a polymer-based laminating film (e.g., of or including PVB, EVA, or SGP) that may have a high UV absoprtion. The UV reflecting coating is preferably patterned so that it is not provided across the entirety of the IG window unit. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and bird deaths can be reduced.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a modular window assembly for an opening in a structure comprises a main structural frame defining an electrical enclosure and being mountable to the structure, a removable exterior frame mountable to the main structural frame and defining an angled lip for water runoff, the removable exterior frame being configured to secure an outer glass pane of a set of glass panes of the modular window assembly, an insulating feature between the main structural frame and the removable exterior frame and configured to prevent thermal conduction therebetween, and at least one vapor neutralizer between the main structural frame and the removable exterior frame and configured to prevent moisture from accumulating within the modular window assembly. One primary benefit of this modular window assembly is the ability to swap out some or all of the set of glass panes and replace them with new glass technology as developed.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for laser ablating/scribing peripheral edges of a coating (e.g., a low-emissivity, mirror, or other coating) on a glass or other substrate in a pre- or post-laminated assembly, pre- or post-assembled insulated glass unit, and/or other product, in order to slow or prevent corrosion of the coating. For example, a 1064 nm or other wavelength laser may be used to scribe lines into the metal and/or metallic layer(s) in a low-emissivity or other coating provided in an already-laminated or already-assembled insulated glass unit or other product, e.g., around its periphery. The scribe lines decrease electron mobility from the center of the coating to the environment and, thus, slow and sometimes even prevent the onset of electrochemical corrosion. Associated products, methods, and kits relating to same also are contemplated herein.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle window has different glass substrates and a low-emissivity (low-E) coating on an interior surface thereof, so that the low-E coating is to be located adjacent and exposed to the vehicle interior. In certain example embodiments, the low-E coating includes a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer of a material such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO). In certain example embodiments, the exterior glass substrate contains more iron, and is thus more absorbing of IR radiation, than the interior glass substrate.

Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to laminated LED arrays, products including such laminated LED arrays, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, LEDs may be disposed on a flexible sheet and chained together in an array. An optional beam steering optical element may be used to help redirect the light, even when the LED arrays are disposed on a curved surface and/or at an angle that is not parallel to the intended observer's line of sight. Doing so advantageously makes it possible to ensure that a substantial portion of the axis of the light produced by embedded LEDs coincides with the front-to-rear axis of a vehicle, while still allowing for different angles of the back light for different implementations. Such techniques advantageously may be used in connection with Center High Mount Stop Lamps (CHMSLs); tail lights for cars, trucks, and other vehicles; and/or the like.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle.