Patents by Inventor Ryan L. Dear

Ryan L. Dear 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: 10358862
    Abstract: A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Patent number: 10125538
    Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space via a static grid assembly in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down and/or to help remove debris from within the space to the desired low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Miller, Ryan L. Dear, Jeffrey A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20180066471
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, infrared (IR) heating elements are controllable to emit IR radiation at a peak wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band(s), and the peak wavelength may be varied by adjusting the voltage applied to the IR heating elements. The peak wavelength may be selected so as to preferentially heat the frit material used to form a VIG edge seal while reducing the amount of heat provided to substrates of the VIG unit. In certain example embodiments, the substrates of the VIG unit do not reach a temperature of 325 degrees C. for more than 1 minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: David J. COOPER, Ryan L. DEAR, Robert A. MILLER
  • Patent number: 9822580
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, infrared (IR) heating elements are controllable to emit IR radiation at a peak wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band(s), and the peak wavelength may be varied by adjusting the voltage applied to the IR heating elements. The peak wavelength may be selected so as to preferentially heat the frit material used to form a VIG edge seal while reducing the amount of heat provided to substrates of the VIG unit. In certain example embodiments, the substrates of the VIG unit do not reach a temperature of 325 degrees C. for more than 1 minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Cooper, Ryan L. Dear, Robert A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170268287
    Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space via a static grid assembly in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down and/or to help remove debris from within the space to the desired low pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert A. MILLER, Ryan L. DEAR, Jeffrey A. JONES
  • Patent number: 9677323
    Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space via a static grid assembly in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down and/or to help remove debris from within the space to the desired low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Miller, Ryan L. Dear, Jeffrey A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9637820
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an in-line scalable system that may be used in the combustion deposition depositing of thin films. The systems of certain example embodiments may comprise one or more modules, with each such module including at least one burner and at least one high volume cooling section. In certain example implementations, multiple burners and multiple cooling sections are provided to a single module in alternating order. The systems of certain example embodiments may, in addition or in the alternative, comprise a combined flame guard and exhaust system. The combined flame guard and exhaust system of certain example embodiments advantageously may provide a means to reduce the amount of interference of the deposition process by ambient conditions, improve flame uniformity in the deposition zone, contain and exhaust combustion products while reducing restrictions to the stable operating space of the combustion deposition process, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: David D. McLean, Ryan L. Dear
  • Publication number: 20170016269
    Abstract: A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan L. DEAR
  • Patent number: 9441415
    Abstract: A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Patent number: 8794033
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Publication number: 20140186556
    Abstract: A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventor: Ryan L. DEAR
  • Patent number: 8742287
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Publication number: 20130153551
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. DEAR
  • Publication number: 20130153550
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. DEAR
  • Publication number: 20120304696
    Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space via a static grid assembly in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down and/or to help remove debris from within the space to the desired low pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. MILLER, Ryan L. Dear, Jeffrey A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120210750
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, infrared (IR) heating elements are controllable to emit IR radiation at a peak wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band(s), and the peak wavelength may be varied by adjusting the voltage applied to the IR heating elements. The peak wavelength may be selected so as to preferentially heat the frit material used to form a VIG edge seal while reducing the amount of heat provided to substrates of the VIG unit. In certain example embodiments, the substrates of the VIG unit do not reach a temperature of 325 degrees C. for more than 1 minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: David J. Cooper, Ryan L. Dear, Robert A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110159198
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an in-line scalable system that may be used in the combustion deposition depositing of thin films. The systems of certain example embodiments may comprise one or more modules, with each such module including at least one burner and at least one high volume cooling section. In certain example implementations, multiple burners and multiple cooling sections are provided to a single module in alternating order. The systems of certain example embodiments may, in addition or in the alternative, comprise a combined flame guard and exhaust system. The combined flame guard and exhaust system of certain example embodiments advantageously may provide a means to reduce the amount of interference of the deposition process by ambient conditions, improve flame uniformity in the deposition zone, contain and exhaust combustion products while reducing restrictions to the stable operating space of the combustion deposition process, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: David D. McLean, Ryan L. Dear
  • Publication number: 20110159199
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an in-line scalable system that may be used in the combustion deposition depositing of thin films. The systems of certain example embodiments may comprise one or more modules, with each such module including at least one burner and at least one high volume cooling section. In certain example implementations, multiple burners and multiple cooling sections are provided to a single module in alternating order. The systems of certain example embodiments may, in addition or in the alternative, comprise a combined flame guard and exhaust system. The combined flame guard and exhaust system of certain example embodiments advantageously may provide a means to reduce the amount of interference of the deposition process by ambient conditions, improve flame uniformity in the deposition zone, contain and exhaust combustion products while reducing restrictions to the stable operating space of the combustion deposition process, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: David D. McLean, Kevin L. Widman, Ryan L. Dear