Transmission-type (e.g., Windows) Patents (Class 359/275)
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Patent number: 12251994Abstract: A system for reducing glare experienced by a driver. The system includes a camera and a processor mounted on a vehicle and a display screen mounted on a windshield of the vehicle. The processor captures an image from the camera, detecting one or more headlights within the image using one or more Haar-Cascade classifiers and determining current measured positions of the headlights within the image. The processor is further configured for determining a location of one or more blots on the display screen, based on setup locations of the blots, Kalman filter predicted positions of the headlights within the image updated with the current measured positions. The processor is configured for sending commands to put pixels in the blots on the display screen into a low transparency state. The system includes controls configured for sending control signals for changing the setup location of the blots.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Inventor: Ramesh Balasubramanyan
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Patent number: 12242163Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Mark Kozlowski, Eric W. Kurman, Zhongchun Wang, Mike Scobey, Jeremy A. Dixon, Anshu A Pradhan, Robert T. Rozbicki
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Patent number: 12242081Abstract: The present invention relates to a multichannel imaging device and more specifically to a multichannel device wherein each optical channel has at least an optical low-pass angular filter configured to block any light propagating through the optical channel along a direction of propagation having an angle which is greater than a predefined angle ?L relative to the optical axis, the low-pass angular filter comprising at least one planar interface, separating a first material having a first refractive index n1 and a second material having a second refractive index n2, the ratio of the second refractive index over the first refractive index being lower than 1, preferably lower than 0.66.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: DepixusInventor: Thibault Vieille
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Patent number: 12233624Abstract: A laminated vehicle glazing with includes a first extraclear glass sheet forming an exterior glazing, a lamination interlayer and a second glass sheet forming an interior glazing with a traversing hole in these last two.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Keihann Yavari, Claire Davis, Pauline Girard
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Patent number: 12231260Abstract: A high-speed data communications network in or on a building includes a plurality of trunk line segments serially coupled to each other by a plurality of passive circuits configured to deliver signals to, and to receive signals from, one or more devices on, in, or outside the building, wherein the signals comprise data having a greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Nitesh Trikha, Stephen Clark Brown, Nitin Khanna, Robert Tad Rozbicki, Dhairya Shrivastava, Brandon Dillan Tinianov
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Patent number: 12209048Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to electrochromic stacks, electrochromic devices, and methods and apparatus for making such stacks and devices. In various embodiments, an anodically coloring layer in an electrochromic stack or device is fabricated to include a heterogeneous structure, for example a heterogeneous composition and/or morphology. Such heterogeneous anodically coloring layers can be used to better tune the properties of a device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dane Thomas Gillaspie, Sridhar Karthik Kailasam, Robert T. Rozbicki
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Patent number: 12197098Abstract: Controllers and control methods apply a drive voltage to bus bars of a thin film optically switchable device. The applied drive voltage is provided at a level that drives a transition over the entire surface of the optically switchable device but does not damage or degrade the device. This applied voltage produces an effective voltage at all locations on the face of the device that is within a bracketed range. The upper bound of this range is associated with a voltage safely below the level at which the device may experience damage or degradation impacting its performance in the short term or the long term. At the lower boundary of this range is an effective voltage at which the transition between optical states of the device occurs relatively rapidly. The level of voltage applied between the bus bars is significantly greater than the maximum value of the effective voltage within the bracketed range.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Anshu A. Pradhan, Disha Mehtani, Gordon Jack
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Patent number: 12186984Abstract: An enclosure for a three-dimensional printing system comprises a plurality of walls and a glass panel. The walls define an inner chamber for receiving the three-dimensional printing system and an opening that provides access to the inner chamber from outside the walls. The glass panel is shiftable between a closed position in which the panel blocks access to the inner chamber and an open position in which the panel allows access to the inner chamber via the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLCInventor: Ruben Arturo Pino
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Patent number: 12186577Abstract: A system to couple light to tissue includes a first light source configured to emit first light of a first wavelength lambda ?1 and a second light source configured to emit second light of a second wavelength ?2. The system also includes a retro-modulator configured to receive the first light and the second light. The retro-modulator is configured to modulate the first light of the first wavelength ?1 based at least in part on an intensity of the second light of the second wavelength ?2. The retro-modulator is also configured to reflect the modulated first light for use in generation of a guide-star within the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventor: Hooman Mohseni
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Patent number: 12174466Abstract: Disclosed is an ophthalmic lens including a transparent substrate with a front main face and a rear main face, at least one of the main faces being coated with a multilayered interferential stack (IF stack), including at least one HI layer having a refractive index higher than or equal 1.55 and at least one LI layer having a refractive index lower than 1.55, characterized in that an electrochromic stack (EC stack): is part of the multilayered interferential stack; or is directly deposited onto the multilayered interferential stack, so as to form a multilayered interferential coating (IF coating).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Essilor InternationalInventor: William Trottier-Lapointe
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Patent number: 12172410Abstract: Black enamel frit obscurations are commonly printed on laminated and tempered automotive safety glazing where they serve to hide the adhesive used to bind the glazing to the automotive body and to protect the adhesive from ultraviolet radiation. However, frit has a number of drawbacks. Frit weakens the surface of the glass. It can create distortion in the glass due to thermal gradients. Printed frit obscurations are incompatible and cannot be used with many types of coatings. Standard frit blocks ion exchange and cannot be used with the chemical tempering process. In addition, while many types of frits are available for printing on soda-lime glass, there are very few, if any, for non-soda lime glass. As the market moves towards thinner and lighter glazing, non-soda lime glass types are finding increasing application in automotive glazing. These limitations are overcome by replacing the printed black obscuration with an obscuration formed from a thin sheet of plastic, which is integrated into the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: AGP America S.A.Inventors: Mario Arturo Mannheim Astete, Charles S. Voeltzel, Laura Granados Caro, Andres Fernando Sarmiento Santos, Elena K. Mendoza Carranza, Ivan Arturo Cornejo
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Patent number: 12153320Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Robin Sean Friedman, Vinod Khosla, Rao P. Mulpuri, Anshu Ajit Pradhan
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Patent number: 12155110Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is described that includes a transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface. An electrochromic device is arranged over the second surface that includes a first conductive layer adjacent the second surface, a second conductive layer, and an electrochromic layer between the first and the second conductive layers. The apparatus further includes at least one conductive antenna structure arranged over the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Stephen Clark Brown
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Patent number: 12130597Abstract: A site monitoring system may analyze information from sites to determine when a device, a sensor, a controller, or other structure associated with optically switchable devices has a problem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certain embodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts its control logic to meet the customer's goals.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Stephen C. Brown, Vijay Mani
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Patent number: 12122221Abstract: A composite pane with an electrically controllable functional element that can be switched in segments, includes a first pane, a second pane, which are joined to one another via an intermediate layer, and a functional element that is integrated in the intermediate layer, wherein the functional element includes, arranged flat one over another, a first surface electrode and a second surface electrode, between which an active layer is arranged flat, the first surface electrode is divided into multiple segments by at least one separating line, a group of first busbars electrically conductively contact the first surface electrode, at least one second busbar electrically conductively contacts the second surface electrode, and wherein each segment of the first surface electrode is electrically conductively contacted by at least two busbars of the group of the first busbars.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Jefferson Do Rosario, Florian Manz, Sebastian Schurse, Johannes Wolf
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Patent number: 12115757Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, laminates, films and/or composites made from polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The films have one or more optical layers made from materials that allow the transmission of visible light and reflect or absorb UV light. A composite having an infrared (“IR”) cutoff layer, and a polymer layer desirably having an ultraviolet (“UV”) absorber is disposed between layers of glass or artificial glass, combined with polycarbonate (“PC”) or polyethylene terephalate (“PET”) layers.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: DELSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Soenke Laubach, David Collette, Hugh Miller
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Patent number: 12111558Abstract: A liquid crystal optical device includes a liquid crystal layer, a first orientation layer, a second orientation layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, a first transparent substrate, and a second transparent substrate. The second electrode layer includes a conductive line and a plurality of leading-out lines. The conductive line includes a first position and a second position; one end of each leading-out line is connected with the conductive line, the other end thereof is suspended. The conductive line has at least one leading-out position; at least a part of the leading-out position is located between the first and second positions, and at least two of the leading-out positions are different from each other; a resistance between each leading-out position and the first position and a distance between at least a part of each leading-out line in a first direction and the first position satisfies a first condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: CHENGDU YETA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Wenbin Feng, Bin Wang, Mao Ye
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Patent number: 12105395Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2023Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Clark Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava
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Patent number: 12085818Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Mullins, Trevor Frank, Jason Satern, Travis D. Wilbur, Mark Sawyer
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Patent number: 12055720Abstract: A head-mounted display includes: an optical member that provides an image; an intermediate member extended with a curvature in a predetermined direction; and a dimming member arranged via a predetermined gap with respect to the optical member and mounted on the intermediate member in such a manner as to have a curvature in the predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATIONInventor: Shin Kuroda
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Patent number: 12049786Abstract: A method for controlling the state of two or more liquid crystal-based switchable windows includes in a first step providing correction data which define a relationship between a state signal and an output voltage level. The correction data is provided for each of the switchable windows and the state of the switchable windows may be adjusted according to the state signal between a minimum and maximum level. In a subsequent step, the state signal is provided which defines the desired state of one or more selected switchable windows. In a further step, a required voltage level is determined for setting the desired state based on the state signal and the respective correction data for each of the one or more selected windows. In a subsequent step d), an AC output voltage is generated having the required voltage level for each of the one or more selected windows.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: MERCK PATENT GMBHInventors: Heiko Christ, Chuan Nie, Ties De Jong, Jasper Van Den Muijsenberg
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Patent number: 12030429Abstract: A light system comprising: a first light blade; a second light blade; a plurality of first light sources directing light into the first light blade in a first direction; a plurality of second light sources directing light into the first light blade, the second light blade, or both so that the light exiting the first light blade, the second light blade, or both extends in a second direction that is substantially normal to the first direction away from a vehicle housing the light system; wherein the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources provide a light function; and wherein the plurality of first light sources, the plurality of second light sources, or both are configured to illuminate in sequence so that the first light blade, the second light blade, or both are illuminated from a first edge toward a second edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2022Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Colby Darlage, Brant Potter, David Egly
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Patent number: 12013621Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided. The device includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate and a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer. A first bus bar is in contact with the first electrically conductive layer and a second bus bar in contact with the second electrically conductive layer. The first and second electrically conductive layers are patterned with sets of scribed lines substantially parallel to the corresponding bus bar, wherein the sets of scribed lines are made up of a series of collinear segments, which are gaps in the electrically conductive layer, wherein the length of the collinear segments, the period, the valve width and the offset between segments in adjacent scribed lines determines the resistance to the flow of electrons traversing a set of scribed lines in the direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding bus bar.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Halio, Inc.Inventors: Scott Sharpe, Cyrus Elias, Jonathan Ziebarth
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Patent number: 12007658Abstract: A process for protecting a glass substrate coated with an electrochromic stack, includes depositing a temporary protective layer on the electrochromic stack, the temporary protective layer including an organic polymeric matrix and having a thickness of between 1 ?m and 30 ?m, and the temporary protective layer being removable by heat treatment at a temperature of between 300° C. and 500° C., fora period of between 180 s and 240 s.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Florent Martin, Charline Lalande, Bertrand Heurtefeu, Jean-Christophe Giron
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Patent number: 11988936Abstract: An electrochromic device includes an optically active layer having an optical property that can be altered by application of electrical power to the optically active layer and a conductive structure that is configured to supply the electrical power to the optically active layer. The conductive structure includes patterned conductive elements that cooperate with the optically active layer to define electrochromic cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Que Anh S. Nguyen
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Patent number: 11988937Abstract: An apparatus can include an electrochromic device configured to be maintained a continuously graded transmission state. When using the apparatus, the electrochromic device can be switched from a first transmission state to a continuously graded transmission state and maintained in the continuously graded transmission state. The current during switching can be higher than current during maintaining the continuously graded transmission state. In an embodiment, the grading can be reversed to provide a mirror image of the grading. In another embodiment, at least 27% and up to 100% of the electrochromic device can be in a continuously graded transmission state. The control device can be located within an insulating glass unit, adjacent to the insulating glass unit, or remotely from the insulating glass unit. In a further embodiment, a gap between bus bars can be used to form a portion of the electrochromic device that can be continuously graded.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.Inventors: Yigang Wang, Bryan D. Greer
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Patent number: 11967658Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in vehicles in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the vehicle to provide electrical power to the vehicle, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the vehicle. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Face International CorporationInventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
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Patent number: 11966142Abstract: Methods and systems for determining tint of at least one tintable window when the outside temperature is greater than a first threshold and/or less than a second threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Nitin Khanna, Jack Rasmus-Vorrath, Stephen Clark Brown
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Patent number: 11958408Abstract: A vehicle light-adjusting system capable of adjusting the brightness in a vehicle interior day and night and appropriately performing light-adjustment for each of occupants. The vehicle light-adjusting system includes an incident portion which external light enters, a light-adjusting member arranged in the incident portion, a light emitting unit provided in an interior of the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit controls transmittance of the light-adjusting member and controls illuminance of the light emitting unit. The light-adjusting member is divided into a plurality of parts. The control unit is capable of adjusting an individual transmittance of each of the parts.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Motoki Maekawa, Mitsutaka Sako
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Patent number: 11947235Abstract: A method of operating an electrochromic device comprising: coupling a logic device to the electrochromic device; applying a voltage to the electrochromic device; receiving a current from the electrochromic device in response to the provided voltage; and with the logic device, determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current. A method of operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: adjusting a frequency of voltage applied to the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein each of the plurality of electrochromic devices is adjusted by a different frequency; measuring a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices; and identifying a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time required to change the tint states of each of the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.Inventors: Yigang Wang, Bryan D. Greer, Peter E. Bocek, Jean-Christophe Giron, Thomas Doublein
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Patent number: 11940205Abstract: An insulating structure for an appliance includes a trim breaker, a first panel, a second panel, and an adhesive. The trim breaker defines a first groove and a second groove. The first panel is disposed within the first groove and is coupled to the trim breaker. The second panel is disposed within the second groove and is coupled to the trim breaker. The adhesive is disposed within the first and second grooves and is coupled to the first and second panels.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jose Guizoni, Jr., Devidas Balu Raskar, Fábio Ferreira Ribas, Tracy Lynn Rock
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Patent number: 11934080Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating electrochromic devices that mitigate formation of short circuits under a top bus bar without predetermining where top bus bars will be applied on the device. Devices fabricated using such methods may be deactivated under the top bus bar, or may include active material under the top bus bar. Methods of fabricating devices with active material under a top bus bar include depositing a modified top bus bar, fabricating self-healing layers in the electrochromic device, and modifying a top transparent conductive layer of the device prior to applying bus bars.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Sridhar K. Kailasam, Dhairya Shrivastava, Zhiwei Cai, Robert T. Rozbicki, Dane Gillaspie, Todd Martin, Anshu A. Pradhan, Ronald M. Parker
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Patent number: 11934079Abstract: The embodiments relate to an electrochromic device having excellent elongation and tensile strength while achieving an excellent light transmission variable function based on the electrochromic principle. The electrochromic device comprises a light transmission variable structure interposed between a first base layer and a second base layer, wherein the light transmission variable structure comprises a first chromic layer and a second chromic layer, an electrolyte layer is interposed between the first chromic layer and the second chromic layer, and the elongation is 60% to 170%.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: SKC CO., LTD.Inventors: Byeong Uk Ahn, Yong Sang La, Seong Hwan Lee, Il Hwan Yoo
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Patent number: 11927867Abstract: Controllers and control methods apply a drive voltage to bus bars of a thin film optically switchable device. The applied drive voltage is provided at a level that drives a transition over the entire surface of the optically switchable device but does not damage or degrade the device. This applied voltage produces an effective voltage at all locations on the face of the device that is within a bracketed range. The upper bound of this range is associated with a voltage safely below the level at which the device may experience damage or degradation impacting its performance in the short term or the long term. At the lower boundary of this range is an effective voltage at which the transition between optical states of the device occurs relatively rapidly. The level of voltage applied between the bus bars is significantly greater than the maximum value of the effective voltage within the bracketed range.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Anshu A. Pradhan, Disha Mehtani, Gordon Jack
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Patent number: 11927866Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas Silkwood
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Patent number: 11906867Abstract: An electrochemical device is disclosed. The electrochemical device includes a first transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer overlying the first transparent conductive layer, a counter electrode layer overlying the electrochromic layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a switching speed parameter of not greater than 0.68 s/mm at 23° C.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.Inventors: Hannah Leung Ray, Ruth Anne Sarah Schlitz, Yi Jiang, Camille Mesnager, Wen Li, Carlijn L. Mulder, Jean-Christophe Giron
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Patent number: 11904665Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and comprised of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to clear. Markings are formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify user input areas. A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and clear modes.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein Berry, Tom F. Boettger, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Harry Kon, Terry Vandenbrink
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Patent number: 11906822Abstract: An information processing device includes a controller configured to acquire a detected value of a sensor that detects presence or absence of a person within a predetermined range outside one or more openings that is formed in a wall surface of a first building, each of the one or more openings using light control glass, the wall surface facing outside, and control transmittance of the light control glass based on the detected value of the sensor. A building includes one or more opening that is formed in at least a wall surface that faces outside, the opening using light control glass; a sensor that detects presence or absence of a person within a predetermined range outside the one or more openings; and a control device that controls transmittance of the light control glass based on a detected value of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoya Matsubara, Ibuki Shimada, Keisuke Shoji, Shuhei Yamamoto, Hideo Hasegawa, Yurika Tanaka, Satoshi Komamine
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Patent number: 11878498Abstract: A method for producing a laminated pane with a functional element with electrically switchable optical properties, includes creating a first stack of layers including a first pane, a first thermoplastic laminating film, a separating film, a second thermoplastic laminating film, a second pane, laminating the first stack of layers while being heated, taking the first pane with the first thermoplastic laminating film off the second pane with the second thermoplastic laminating film, and the at least one separating film is removed from the stack of layers, providing a functional element having an active layer, placing the functional element into the stack of layers, whereby a second stack of layers is formed, laminating the second stack of layers to form a laminated pane, wherein the separating film is detachable residue-free from the first thermoplastic laminating film and the second thermoplastic laminating film.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Michael Labrot, Laurent Maillaud
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Patent number: 11860596Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for implementing smart windows, smart home systems that include smart windows, and user devices and applications for control thereof. A smart window, or photovoltaic window, may include a photovoltaic configured to generate electrical power from incident light onto the photovoltaic window, store the electrical power, and send the electrical power to an electronics package or various electrical loads including a wireless communication system, sensors, or window functions. The photovoltaic window may communicate with various smart home system devices such as hub devices and user devices, which may include the reception of control data at the photovoltaic window and the transmission of sensor data captured by the window sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Ubiquitous Energy, Inc.Inventors: Miles C. Barr, Ian Millard, Rachel Molaro, Susan Stone, Veeral Hardev, Christopher Traverse, Anthony Sagneri, David Maikowski, Edwin Hathaway, Bradley J. Gleeson
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Patent number: 11851944Abstract: A variably transmissive electro-optic window that has an easily tunable dynamic range is disclosed. The window comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, an electro-optic medium, and at least one tuning layer. The first substrate has a first and a second surface. The first surface is in a first direction relative the second surface. The second substrate has a third and a fourth surface. The third surface is disposed in the first direction relative the fourth surface. The second substrate is disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction relative the first substrate. The second substrate is additionally disposed in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with the first substrate. The first electrode is disposed in the second direction relative the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed in the first direction relative the second substrate. The electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, David M. Ellis, Matthew A. Koppey, Stephen F. Richlich
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Patent number: 11852908Abstract: The embodiments relate to an electrochromic device having flexibility while achieving an excellent light transmission variable function based on the electrochromic principle. The flexible electrochromic device comprises a first base layer; a first barrier layer on the first base layer; a light transmission variable structure on the first barrier layer; a second barrier layer on the light transmission variable structure; and a second base layer on the second barrier layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: SKC CO., LTD.Inventors: Byeong Uk Ahn, Yong Sang La, Seong Hwan Lee, Il Hwan Yoo, Seung Bae Oh
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Patent number: 11834366Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for the integration of electrochromic films onto a substrate, such as a glass window, and the systems/structures formed via such methods.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: FURCIFER INC.Inventors: Jian Wang, Yan Zhou
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Patent number: 11829045Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure concern controllers and control methods for applying a drive voltage to bus bars of optically switchable devices such as electrochromic devices. Such devices are often provided on windows such as architectural glass. In certain embodiments, the applied drive voltage is controlled in a manner that efficiently drives an optical transition over the entire surface of the electrochromic device. The drive voltage is controlled to account for differences in effective voltage experienced in regions between the bus bars and regions proximate the bus bars. Regions near the bus bars experience the highest effective voltage. In some cases, feedback may be used to monitor an optical transition. In these or other cases, a group of optically switchable devices may transition together over a particular duration to achieve approximately uniform tint states over time during the transition.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Jack, Sridhar K. Kailasam, Stephen C. Brown, Anshu A. Pradhan
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Patent number: 11829046Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to networks of electrochromic windows. The networks may be configured in particular ways to minimize the likelihood that the windows on the network draw more power than can be provided. The network may include particular hardware components that provide additional power to windows as needed. The network may also be configured to adjust how the windows therein transition to prevent overloading the network. The techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are undersized when considering the amount of power that would be needed to simultaneously transition all the windows on the network using normal transition parameters, while still allowing simultaneous transitions to occur.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Jose Fernando Vigano, Stephen Clark Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava
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Patent number: 11815779Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochromic device includes a single active layer configured to be alternately placed in a light-transmitting state in which relatively large amounts of light can be transmitted through the active layer and a light-blocking state in which relatively small amounts of light can be transmitted through the active layer, wherein the device comprises no other layers of material that contribute to transitioning between the two states.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDAInventors: Manoj Kumar Ram, Elias K. Stefanakos
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Patent number: 11809054Abstract: An optical display system includes a first display, a plurality of electronic drivers, a controller, and a combiner. Light from a scene is combined with image light from the first display, and the combined light presented to an observer. The combiner includes an electrochromic layer comprising one or more electrochromic regions separated from each other. The electronic drivers are arranged to electrically connect with and drive respective of the electrochromic regions. The controller is configured to control the plurality of electronic drivers to individually address each of the electrochromic regions to selectively drive some of the electrochromic regions to change light transmission of the selectively driven electrochromic regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Carlo L. Tiana, Eric P. Stratton, Christopher A. Keith, Robert D. Brown, Robert W. Wood
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Patent number: 11796883Abstract: A variety of methods for integrating an organic photovoltaic-based SolarWindow™ module and electrochromic materials to create dynamic, variable transmittance, energy-saving windows and/or window films are described. Stand-alone or building integrated, independent or user-controllable, battery supported or building integrated, and insulated glass unit or aftermarket film implementations are all described, providing for a diversity of applications. Low-cost fabrication options also allow for economical production.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: SolarWindow Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Anthony Conklin, Scott Ryan Hammond
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Patent number: 11788704Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlamp (8) comprising a vehicle headlamp housing (9), an at least sectionally transparent cover pane (10) that closes the vehicle headlamp housing (9), a light source (11) that is accommodated in the vehicle headlamp housing (9) and serves for radiating light through the cover pane (10), and at least one motor vehicle design element (3) that is accommodated in the vehicle headlamp housing (9), wherein the at least one motor vehicle design element (3) comprises a dimensionally stable substrate (1) with at least one coated side.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: ZKW Group GmbHInventors: Jochen Sattler, Thomas Haas, Lukas Dienstbier
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Patent number: 11781903Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Clark Brown, Jason David Zedlitz, Jack Kendrick Rasmus-Vorrath, Nitin Khanna, Ruican Zhong, Vashisth Parekh, Nidhi Satyacharan Tiwari, Kriti Chandra Sharma