Patents by Inventor Rudolph H. Petrmichl

Rudolph H. Petrmichl 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: 11707919
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Blush, Timothy J. Frey, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Publication number: 20220333434
    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-based layer and layers on opposing surfaces thereof. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventors: JASON BLUSH, LINDSAY HORN, RUDOLPH H. PETRMICHL, JOSHUA FINCH
  • Publication number: 20210115728
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventors: Jason BLUSH, Timothy J. FREY, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Patent number: 10458176
    Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit configurations with getter structures are provided, as are methods for making the same. Techniques are provided for optimizing (e.g., increasing) the surface area of active getter material, before and/or after activation/flashing, within the constraints of a VIG window unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Petrmichl, John P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10427395
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Hogan, Andrew W. Pantke, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Publication number: 20190168496
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: John P. HOGAN, Andrew W. PANTKE, Rudolph H. PETRMICHL
  • Patent number: 10279565
    Abstract: Methods of making a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit, including edge sealing techniques relating to the same, are provided. Certain example embodiments relate to providing an infrared (IR) absorbing element(s) such as a clip or clamp proximate an edge portion of a VIG assembly during formation of an edge seal. The IR absorbing element(s) absorb applied IR radiation and heat up during an edge seal formation process. Because the IR absorbing element(s) is/are thermally conductive and in contact with at least one of the glass substrates the element(s) causes/cause heat to be transferred from the element(s) to the adjacent glass substrate(s) and to the adjacent edge seal material thereby helping the edge seal material to heat up faster during the edge seal formation process and keeping other areas of glass at lower temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Petrmichl, John P. Hogan, Brad Pasionek
  • Patent number: 10207486
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Hogan, Andrew W. Pantke, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Publication number: 20170361598
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John P. HOGAN, Andrew W. PANTKE, Rudolph H. PETRMICHL
  • Patent number: 9764538
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Hogan, Andrew W. Pantke, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Publication number: 20170232712
    Abstract: Methods of making a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit, including edge sealing techniques relating to the same, are provided. Certain example embodiments relate to providing an infrared (IR) absorbing element(s) such as a clip or clamp proximate an edge portion of a VIG assembly during formation of an edge seal. The IR absorbing element(s) absorb applied IR radiation and heat up during an edge seal formation process. Because the IR absorbing element(s) is/are thermally conductive and in contact with at least one of the glass substrates the element(s) causes/cause heat to be transferred from the element(s) to the adjacent glass substrate(s) and to the adjacent edge seal material thereby helping the edge seal material to heat up faster during the edge seal formation process and keeping other areas of glass at lower temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Rudolph H. PETRMICHL, John P. HOGAN, Brad PASIONEK
  • Publication number: 20160319587
    Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit configurations with getter structures are provided, as are methods for making the same. Techniques are provided for optimizing (e.g., increasing) the surface area of active getter material, before and/or after activation/flashing, within the constraints of a VIG window unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Rudolph H. PETRMICHL, John P. HOGAN
  • Patent number: 9416581
    Abstract: This relates to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units and methods for making VIG window units. Hybrid getter(s) are utilized. In certain example embodiments, a hybrid getter for use in a VIG window unit and/or a method making same includes both evaporable getter (EG) material and non-evaporable getter (NEG) material. In certain example embodiments, the NEG material may be covered (directly or indirectly) with EG material in the hybrid getter at least prior to getter activating/flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Petrmichl, John P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9388628
    Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit configurations with getter structures are provided, as are methods for making the same. Techniques are provided for optimizing (e.g., increasing) the surface area of active getter material, before and/or after activation/flashing, within the constraints of a VIG window unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Petrmichl, John P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20160193818
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: John P. HOGAN, Andrew W. PANTKE, Rudolph H. PETRMICHL
  • Patent number: 9290984
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: John P. Hogan, Andrew W. Pantke, Rudolph H. Petrmichl
  • Patent number: 8968831
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles including anti-fingerprint and/or smudge-reducing coatings, and/or methods of making the same. Oil from fingerprints and the like may easily transfer to the surface of an article. However, it has been found that in certain example embodiments, a reduced-smudge and reduced-glare effect on a glass substrate may be achieved by micro-engineering a glass surface's properties, such as surface morphology and/or roughness. In certain example embodiments, a thin film coating may be introduced to the glass surface in order to alter the contact angle of the article, or for other optical, electrical, mechanical, chemical and/or environmental purposes and/or durability. It has further advantageously been found that by altering the contact angle of the surface, the anti-smudge and anti-glare effects of the substrate may be further improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jiangping Wang, Rudolph H. Petrmichl, Tiong P. Ong
  • Publication number: 20140153122
    Abstract: An anti-soiling coating is provided in a solar collector apparatus. In certain example embodiments, an anti-soiling coating and a mirror coating are provided on opposite sides of a glass substrate of a mirror structure. In certain example embodiments, the anti-soiling coating may be provided on the first/front surface of a solar panel or solar mirror used in a solar collector field. For example, the anti-soiling coating may be provided on the front/first surface of a parabolic trough or dish reflector/mirror for use in a concentrating solar power apparatus. The provision of the anti-soiling coating can protect the maximum output power of the solar collector from dust and/or environmental pollution such as dirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jiangping WANG, Rudolph H. PETRMICHL
  • Publication number: 20140037870
    Abstract: This relates to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units and methods for making VIG window units. Hybrid getter(s) are utilized. In certain example embodiments, a hybrid getter for use in a VIG window unit and/or a method making same includes both evaporable getter (EG) material and non-evaporable getter (NEG) material. In certain example embodiments, the NEG material may be covered (directly or indirectly) with EG material in the hybrid getter at least prior to getter activating/flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Rudolph H. PETRMICHL, John P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20140034218
    Abstract: Methods of making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units are provided, including activating getters in a process of making VIG window units. In certain example embodiments, at least one getter is activated during and/or at the end of a pump-out/evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated. In certain example embodiments, the getter(s) may be activated (e.g., by at least a laser beam that is directed through a pump-out tube) during and/or at the end of the evacuation process in which the cavity between the substrates is evacuated to a low pressure that is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: John P. HOGAN, Andrew W. Pantke, Rudolph H. Petrmichl