Unitary Light Transmitting Member Comprising Plural Reflecting Or Refracting Elements Patents (Class 359/592)
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Patent number: 11012772Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus capable of improving a sound quality through an accurate sound transmission, wherein the display apparatus may include a backlight module connected with a rear surface of a display panel, a rear structure for surrounding the backlight module, and a vibration generating device for vibrating the display panel through the backlight module, wherein the vibration generating device is fixed to the rear structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongsik Ham, JooHong Lee, TaeYoung Jung, GwangHeon Ha
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Patent number: 10794114Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
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Patent number: 10746363Abstract: Provided is a daylighting film (10) including: a base (11) having light-transmissive performance; a plurality of first protrusion portions (12) that have light-transmissive performance and are provided to be adjacent to each other on one surface (11a) of the base (11); a gap portion (13) provided between the first protrusion portions (12); and at least one second protrusion portion (14) that is provided in at least one gap portion (13) to be adjacent to the first protrusion portions (12) on the one surface (11a) of the base (11) and that is formed of the same material as that of the first protrusion portions (12), in which a height of the second protrusion portion (14) from the one surface (11a) of the base (11) is smaller than a height of each of the first protrusion portions (12) from the one surface (11a) of the base (11).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoko Ueki, Tsuyoshi Kamada, Shun Ueki, Hideomi Yui
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Patent number: 10513091Abstract: Provided is a daylighting device (10) that is used by being attached to a window frame (110) supporting an existing window glass (100) and that includes a first base (11) being light-transmissive, a first spacer (12) provided at an outer edge of one surface (11a) of the first base (11) and attached to the window frame (110), and a daylighting member (13) provided on a side of the one surface (11a) of the first base (11), in which the daylighting member (13) includes a second base (14) that is light-transmissive and a plurality of protrusion daylighting portions (15) that are light-transmissive and provided to be adjacent to each other on a side of one surface (14a) of the second base (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shun Ueki, Shumpei Nishinaka, Toru Kanno, Daisuke Shinozaki, Tsuyoshi Kamada
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Patent number: 10511252Abstract: A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Quick Mount PVInventors: Claudia Wentworth, Stuart Wentworth
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Patent number: 10228104Abstract: Disclosed is a sunlight transmitter, and more particularly to a sunlight transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention is used as a transmission device of solar light to transmit sunlight into an indoor space by condensing and converting the sunlight into straight parallel light, and maximizes a sunlight transmission efficiency by minimizing loss in condensing the sunlight and obtaining not only the straight parallel light of high luminous flux but also diffused light through hybrid condensation.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: SUNPORTAL Co., Ltd.Inventor: Se Dae O
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Patent number: 10208909Abstract: The present subject matter is an improved skylight to improved low sun-angle light collection and reduced high sun angle light and heat collection. A steeply sloping dome contains parabolic reflectors that redirect low elevation light into a light passage. The steeply sloping sides and the reflectors reflect high elevation angle rays away from a light passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Entech Solar, IncInventor: David Gelbaum
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Patent number: 10125938Abstract: The present subject matter is an improved skylight employing four key elements to achieve its twin objectives of improved low sun-angle light collection and reduced high sun angle light and heat collection: (1) a transparent truncated pyramid-shaped dome, (2) two horizon-facing parabolic reflectors, (3) a collimating curb, and (4) a dual-pane diffuser assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Entech Solar Inc.Inventor: David Gelbaum
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Patent number: 10105041Abstract: A light guiding optical system includes a light guide configured to guide light from an entrance end to an exit end by internally reflecting the light a plurality of times, and an optical unit configured to condense the light emitted from the exit end of the light guide in a first section. The exit end of the light guide has an aperture that has a size in a first direction perpendicular to the first section, which is larger than a size in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akira Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Sato
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Patent number: 10100992Abstract: An object is to provide a daylighting sheet which efficiently performs daylighting and in which, when the daylighting sheet is applied to a window of a building or the like, it is possible to see an outdoor side. The daylighting sheet includes a translucent base material layer; and a light deflection layer that is formed on the base material layer, and the light deflection layer includes: light transmission portions that are aligned along one surface of the base material layer so as to be able to transmit light, each of the light transmission portions including a portion that is convex upwards; and light deflection portions that are formed between the light transmission portions and filled with a material whose refractive index is lower than that of the light transmission portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kashiwagi, Kazunobu Ogawa, Hideki Miyata, Tatsuaki Inoue, Hiroshi Kojima
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Patent number: 9921397Abstract: Lighting devices and methods for providing daylight to the interior of a structure are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a daylighting device including a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface, a light collecting assembly, and a light reflector positioned to reflect daylight into the light collector. In some embodiments, the light collector is associated with one or more light-turning and/or light reflecting structures configured to increase the amount of light captured by the daylighting device. Optical elements may allow for the absorption and/or selective transmission of infrared light away from an interior of the daylighting device.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SOLATUBE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Paul August Jaster
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Patent number: 9885453Abstract: A lighting film (1) includes a first base material (2), a plurality of lighting portions (3), and a void portion (9), and if a virtual straight line (F) that passes through a point (C), at which any one light ray of light entering the lighting portion (3) is incident on a reflective surface, and is orthogonal to a first surface (2a) of the first base material (2) marks a boundary between two spaces, a space with the light ray incident on the point (C) of the two spaces is labeled as a first space (S1), and a space without the light ray incident on the point (C) is labeled as a second space (S2), the lighting film (1) has a function of decreasing intensity of light traveling toward the second space (S2) of light emitted from the first base material (2) or the lighting portion (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Tsujimoto, Tsuyoshi Kamada, Shun Ueki, Tomoko Nango, Kazuyoshi Sakuragi
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Patent number: 9829164Abstract: A solar collector is disclosed in which a light pipe having an optical axis and extending from a proximal end configured to receive sunlight to a distal end, and a plurality of reflective elements optically coupled to the light pipe. Each of the reflective elements is configured to direct at least a portion of sunlight incident thereon into the light pipe via the proximal end substantially parallel to the optical axis for a plurality of positions of the sun in the sky. Baffles coupled to the reflective elements further enhance the collectors ability to increase the light collected.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Fraen CorporationInventors: Carlton S. Jones, Renald Dore
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Patent number: 9816676Abstract: Lighting devices and methods for providing daylight to the interior of a structure are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a daylighting device including a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface, a light collecting structure, and a light reflector positioned to reflect daylight into the light collector. In some embodiments, the light collector is associated with one or more light-turning and/or light reflecting structures configured to increase the amount of light captured by the daylighting device. Optical elements may allow for the absorption and/or selective transmission of infrared light away from an interior of the daylighting device.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: SOLATUBE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Paul August Jaster
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Patent number: 9803817Abstract: A high efficiency daylight directing structure for application on fenestration deploys closely spaced macroscopic bars of transparent resin to eliminate different forms of glare. The spaced apart surfaces provide for efficient reflection of selective incident light, by TIR or metallic surfaces, via the ultra-smooth native surfaces from a mold or casting process. A close spacing is readily obtained in various attachment methods to boost efficiency. The fabrication method allows selective deposition of absorbing layers, such as by of painting/printing between alternating native optical surface to provide one way transparency at high angles of incidence. The bars are supported on at least one common planar surface by transparent support member with an optical quality adhesive material filling any imperfection in the bars common planar surface that form in fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SerraLux Inc.Inventor: Mark E Gardiner
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Patent number: 9803818Abstract: A lighting film which includes a base member having optical transparency, a plurality of protrusions having optical transparency, which are formed to be adjacent to each other on one surface of the base member, and a gap portion formed between the protrusions, in which an area of an end surface of the protrusion on a base member side is greater than an area of an end surface of the protrusion on a side opposite to the base member, and a ratio s/w of an interval s of two adjacent protrusions among the plurality of protrusions to a width w of the protrusion is equal to or less than 0.1.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoko Nango, Shun Ueki, Tsuyoshi Kamada, Kazuyoshi Sakuragi, Masahiro Tsujimoto
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Patent number: 9746148Abstract: A sunlight redirector has a first mirror array formed of a first plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal outward mirror segments; and a second mirror array formed of a second plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal inward mirror segments. Each mirror segment has a normal vector. The outward mirror segments are adjustably positionable, such that their normal vectors remain parallel. The first mirror array is rotatable about a normal vector of the sunlight redirector. The inward mirror segments may remain fixed in position at all times; or they may be moved, twice per day, between first and second fixed positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: The University of British ColumbiaInventors: Lorne Whitehead, Allen James Upward, Peter George Friedel, Jon David Edward Scott
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Patent number: 9719644Abstract: A daylighting system includes a sheet-like light control member disposed on at least an upper part of a daylighting opening, and a shade disposed oppositely to at least a part of the opening, the part being below the part where the light control member is disposed. The light control member is configured to change upward a traveling direction of incident light and allow the incident light to pass through the light control member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Sekido, Satoshi Mitsuzuka, Tomoe Takanokura, Chiaki Obata, Saya Amemiya, Michiya Suzuki
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Patent number: 9719655Abstract: An optical device comprising a first surface with a plurality of micro sized facets, each facet having a respective orientation. Said plurality of facets having an optical axis which extends parallel to the normal vector to an average orientation of all said respective orientations. The plurality of facets comprising at least a first and a second group of facets, each group is formed by a respective number of at least twenty-five compactly arranged neighboring facets. Each group is arranged to generate during operation a respective, mutually identical whole pattern. Each facet in a respective group is arranged to display a sub-pattern of said respective whole pattern. The whole patterns are mutually superpositioned.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn, Siebe Tjerk De Zwart, Wilhelmus Petrus Adrianus Johannus Michiels
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Patent number: 9557464Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle includes: a transparent rod shaped light guide member having an incident surface of lights in an end face; a light source which is arranged so as to be opposed to the incident surface of the rod shaped light guide member and generates heat at a temperature or higher than a softening point of the rod shaped light guide member, lights emitted from the light source being allowed to be incident on the rod shaped light guide member from the incident surface so that the rod shaped light guide member emits lights in a linear form; and a transparent heat insulating part arranged between the light source and the incident surface of the rod shaped light guide member.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventor: Hirotaka Fukui
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Patent number: 9341334Abstract: An optical film includes a plurality of transparent layers configured to transmit light and a plurality of reflection layers configured to reflect light. The plurality of transparent layers are disposed at spaced intervals to each other in a first direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the optical film; each of the plurality of reflection layers is interposed between the transparent layers that are next to each other of the plurality of transparent layers; and the plurality of transparent layers include a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer that has a smaller index of refraction than that of the first transparent layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuya Fujioka
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Patent number: 9169647Abstract: A skylight system uses multiple stationary tilted reflectors aimed in different compass directions, including inverted pyramidal or wedge geometry to enhance the light output of a skylight using a conventional horizontal penetration into the building. The reflectors are made of very low cost metallized polymer film, and configured to maximize the useful lumen output of the skylight over the whole day and over the whole year. The skylight system furthermore improves the light distribution under the horizontal penetration by directing more light vertically into the working space beneath the roof penetration rather than horizontally onto walls and into the building occupants' eyes, creating glare and discomfort.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Entech Solar, Inc.Inventor: David Gelbaum
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Patent number: 9016897Abstract: An inductive light-source module including a casing, a substrate, light sources, a circuit board, an infrared sensing device, a bi-incident lens and a control unit is provided. The substrate disposed in the casing includes a carrying surface facing a transparent portion of the casing. The light sources connected to the substrate are disposed on the carrying surface. The infrared sensing device is connected to the circuit board. The bi-incident lens disposed on the transparent portion is located on a light path of each light for scattering visible lights to pass through the transparent portion and transmit to the outside, and converging the infrared from the outside to the infrared sensing device. The control unit is coupled to the light sources and the infrared sensing device to drive the light sources to emit the visible lights according to a sensing signal generated by the infrared sensing device when sensing the infrared.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company LimitedInventors: Hsiu-Chi Huang, Chih-Feng Lin, Chun-Min Wang, Yueh-Feng Lin
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Patent number: 9013788Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: SunCentral Inc.Inventor: Lorne Whitehead
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Patent number: 8995059Abstract: Solar light redirecting glazing units include light redirecting and light diffusing constructions. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer oriented such that incoming solar light contacts the visible light diffusing layer before contacting the light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a patterned visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include two glazing substrates separated by an intervening space with a solar light redirecting layer disposed on one glazing substrate, and a visible light diffusing layer disposed on the other glazing substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila
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Patent number: 8982467Abstract: Lighting devices and methods for providing daylight to the interior of a structure are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a daylighting device including a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface, a light collecting structure, and a light reflector positioned to reflect daylight into the light collector. In some embodiments, the light collector is associated with one or more light-turning and/or light reflecting structures configured to increase the amount of light captured by the daylighting device. Optical elements may allow for the absorption and/or selective transmission of infrared light away from an interior of the daylighting device.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.Inventor: Paul August Jaster
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Publication number: 20150049387Abstract: A daylighting sheet is provided which efficiently performs daylighting and in which, when the daylighting sheet is applied to an opening portion, such as a window of a building, it is possible to see an outdoor side from an indoor side. The daylighting sheet is formed by stacking a plurality of layers, the layers include: a translucent base material layer; and a light deflection layer that is formed on the base material layer, and the light deflection layer includes: light transmission portions that are aligned along one surface of the base material layer so as to be able to transmit light; and light deflection portions that are formed between the light transmission portions and deflect the light reaching the light deflection portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kashiwagi, Kazunobu Ogawa, Hideki Miyata, Tatsuaki Inoue, Hiroshi Kojima
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Patent number: 8934173Abstract: A sheet-form light-redirecting optical article for illuminating building interiors with sunlight. At least one embodiment comprises a sheet of optically transmissive rigid material, preferably Poly(methyl methacrylate), in which a plurality of deep and narrow parallel channels are formed and arranged in two perpendicular arrays. Each channel has opposing walls configured for reflecting light by means of a Total Internal Reflection (TIR). At least a portion of off-axis rays incident onto the surface of the sheet is redirected by the TIR walls of the light-guiding channels. At least one embodiment comprises a grid formed by intersecting specular reflectors and further comprises a light diffusing element optically coupled to the grid. Disclosed also are a method for making the intersecting arrays of light-redirecting channels.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: SVV Technology Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Sergiy Vasylyev
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Patent number: 8928981Abstract: Sunlight redirector (30) incorporates closely proximate mirror arrays (32, 34) having parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal mirror segments (38, 44). Prismatic sheet (36) is positioned behind and closely proximate second array (34). Segments (38) extend in first direction (x). Segments (44) extend in second direction (y) perpendicular to direction (x) segments (38, 44)have normal vectors (42, 48). Segments (38) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (40), such that their normal vectors (42) remain parallel. Segments (44) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (46), such that their normal vectors (48) remain parallel. Arrays (32, 34) redirect incident light toward sheet (36), which redirects the light into a desired fixed direction, e.g. parallel to the sunlight redirect's normal vectors (50). Segments (38, 44) may have inward and outward segments (60A, 60B) which can be adjustably positioned to maximize redirection of incident sunlight rays in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: The University of British ColumbiaInventor: Lorne A. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20140334007Abstract: Provided herein are devices and associated methods for the direction of light, e.g. sunlight. The devices may comprise various stacked optical elements, including wedge prisms and angled-facet minors, such as Fresnel prisms and mirrors. These may be rotated to effect various angles of light redirection. In one embodiment, the invention comprises directional reflectors which enable incident light to be reflected to a target of fixed location. In one embodiment, the target of the directional reflector is a solar energy target such as a thermal solar receiver or photovoltaic element. In another embodiment, the invention comprises directional beam guides which can redirect incident light arriving at a range of angles to a target. In one embodiment the target of the directional beam guide is the interior of a building, wherein directional beam guides are mounted in or on a window to effect light transmission to the target within the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Benjamin Monreal
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Patent number: 8873146Abstract: Attachment methods for daylighting sheets and a resulting optical construction enable daylighting microstructures to be secured to a light incident surface, such as a glazing. Applying an adhesive to selected portions of the daylighting microstructures creates a transparent, optical adhesive surface that enables the daylighting microstructures to be oriented outward, facing the incident light, and effectively seals the microstructures against the glazing to prevent ingress of dust and contaminants that would degrade optical efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: SerraLux Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
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Patent number: 8867132Abstract: Thermochromic filters use combinations of absorptive, reflective, thermoabsorptive, and thermoreflective elements covering different portions of the solar spectrum, to achieve different levels of energy savings, throw, shading, visible light transmission, and comfort. Embodiments include stopband filters in the near-infrared spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Ravenbrick LLCInventors: Wil McCarthy, Richard M. Powers
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Patent number: 8837048Abstract: Lighting devices and methods for illuminating the interior of a building with natural daylight are disclosed. In some embodiments, a daylighting apparatus includes a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface, an at least partially transparent light collector with one or more light turning elements, and a light reflector positioned to reflect daylight into the light collector. The one or more light turning elements can turn direct and indirect daylight into the tube so that it is available to illuminate the building. In some embodiments, the tube is disposed between the light collector and a diffuser positioned inside a target area of a building. In certain embodiments, the tube is configured to direct at least a portion of the daylight transmitted through the light collector towards the diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.Inventor: Paul August Jaster
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Publication number: 20140247494Abstract: Sunlight redirector (30) incorporates closely proximate mirror arrays (32, 34) having parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal mirror segments (38, 44). Prismatic sheet (36) is positioned behind and closely proximate second array (34). Segments (38) extend in first direction (x). Segments (44) extend in second direction (y) perpendicular to direction (x). Segments (38, 44) have normal vectors (42, 48). Segments (38) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (40), such that their normal vectors (42) remain parallel. Segments (44) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (46), such that their normal vectors (48) remain parallel. Arrays (32, 34) redirect incident light toward sheet (36), which redirects the light into a desired fixed direction, e.g. parallel to the sunlight redirector's normal vector (50). Segments (38, 44) may have inward and outward segments (60A, 60B) which can be adjustably positioned to maximize redirection of incident sunlight rays in a desired direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIAInventor: Lorne A. Whitehead
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Patent number: 8767302Abstract: A laminated optical disk, applied for lighting system or solar energy system, includes a plurality of annular lenses, a base and a circular light guiding unit. The annular lenses are arranged in order from center to outside to form a disk-structure. Each annular lens has a light-input curved surface and a light-output curved surface respectively matching the different thickness of the base. The light-input curved surface is opposite to the center. The light-output curved surface is opposite to the light-input curved surface, and facing to the center. The light is incident on the light-input curved surface, refracted and tended to concentrate by the light-input curved surface. Besides, the light exiting from the annular lens is to be refracted to the direction of the center by the light-output curved surface. The base of the laminated optical disk can significantly improve the light leakage problem by different annular lenses.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jong-Woei Whang, Chieh-Jen Hsiao, Meng-Che Tsai, Chung-Wei Wang, Ya-Hui Chang
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Publication number: 20140133030Abstract: Attachment methods for daylighting sheets and a resulting optical construction enable daylighting microstructures to be secured to a light incident surface, such as a glazing. Applying an adhesive to selected portions of the daylighting microstructures creates a transparent, optical adhesive surface that enables the daylighting microstructures to be oriented outward, facing the incident light, and effectively seals the microstructures against the glazing to prevent ingress of dust and contaminants that would degrade optical efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: SerraLux Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
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Publication number: 20140126063Abstract: A laminated optical disk, applied for lighting system or solar energy system, includes a plurality of annular lenses, a base and a circular light guiding unit. The annular lenses are arranged in order from center to outside to form a disk-structure. Each annular lens has a light-input curved surface and a light-output curved surface respectively matching the different thickness of the base. The light-input curved surface is opposite to the center. The light-output curved surface is opposite to the light-input curved surface, and facing to the center. The light is incident on the light-input curved surface, refracted and tended to concentrate by the light-input curved surface. Besides, the light exiting from the annular lens is to be refracted to the is direction of the center by the light-output curved surface. The base of the laminated optical disk can significantly improve the light leakage problem by different annular lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: JONG-WOEI WHANG, CHIEH-JEN HSIAO, MENG-CHE TSAI, CHUNG-WEI WANG, YA-HUI CHANG
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Publication number: 20140104689Abstract: Solar light redirecting glazing units include light redirecting and light diffusing constructions. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer oriented such that incoming solar light contacts the visible light diffusing layer before contacting the light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a patterned visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include two glazing substrates separated by an intervening space with a solar light redirecting layer disposed on one glazing substrate, and a visible light diffusing layer disposed on the other glazing substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Hybrid Light Redirecting and Light Diffusing ConstructionsInventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila
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Patent number: 8665521Abstract: The present invention relates to a window and light guiding film therein. The light guiding film includes a film base and at least one microstructure. The microstructure is disposed on a side of the film base, and comprises a first surface and a second surface. The refraction index of the microstructure is 1.9 to 2.6. A first inclination angle is between the first surface and a reference plane, the reference plane is perpendicular to the film base, and a second inclination angle is between the second surface and the reference plane, wherein the first inclination angle is less than or equal to the second inclination angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Chi Lin Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Lieh Tsai, Yi-Hsing Chiang, Pei-Chian Tsai
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Patent number: 8601757Abstract: Some embodiments provide a fenestration apparatus including at least one glazing pane capable of being installed in an opening of a building envelope and a tessellated structure disposed adjacent to the at least one glazing pane. The tessellated structure can include at least one partition having a first face and a second face. The at least one partition can define a plurality of spatially separated cells within a substantially contiguous region of the opening. Each of the plurality of spatially separated cells can have a cell width and a cell depth. Each of the plurality of spatially separated cells can be at least partially surrounded by the first face of the at least one partition, the second face of the at least one partition, or a combination of the first face and the second face of the at least one partition.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.Inventors: Paul August Jaster, Keith Robert Kopitzke, David James Wilson, David Windsor Rillie
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Publication number: 20130038928Abstract: Light management constructions contain an optical substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The first major surface is a microstructured surface with asymmetrical structures. The asymmetrical structures form an ordered arrangement of a plurality of multi-sided refractive prisms, with the multi-sided refractive prisms having a cross section of 4 or greater sides. The light management constructions can be incorporated into optical articles such as windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Charles A. Marttila, Mark K. Nestegard
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Patent number: 8339709Abstract: A low numerical aperture (low-NA) light concentration and transmission system collects, concentrates and transmits light for interior illumination. A solar tracker aligns a primary light concentrator to collect light and direct the light to a secondary light concentrator and a filter for removing ultraviolet and infrared radiation. On exiting the secondary light concentrator, the optical axis of the concentrated light is aligned to optimize the numerical aperture of the concentrated light with a numerical aperture (NA) optimizer having a light guide to direct the concentrated light to an interior luminaire. The method of the low numerical aperture transmission of light has the advantages of fewer reflections in the light guide, low loss, low cost, and easy installation and operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Bingwu Gu
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Patent number: 8307602Abstract: An energy saving grate installed outside a building or structure in warm weather that reduces heating due to infrared radiation (IR) from sunlight. For a window application the grate acts as a sunshade to block or diffuse the IR and ultraviolet (UV) portions of sunlight while passing visible light. The grate cell size, depth, cell surface characteristics, and mounting details near the sash determine system performance of sunlight control, of the view through the grate, and of the exterior appearance. The grate is removable for cool weather. The grate system can cool various surfaces and requires no operating adjustments. It can be applied near most windows (including skylights) on all sides of a building where impinging sunlight causes unwanted heating. Compared to external solar thin mesh screens the grate system can provide more open area for a given performance in reduced IR heating.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Inventor: Horace J Cochran, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120194913Abstract: The present invention relates to a window and light guiding film therein. The light guiding film includes a film base and at least one microstructure. The microstructure is disposed on a side of the film base, and comprises a first surface and a second surface. The refraction index of the microstructure is 1.9 to 2.6. A first inclination angle is between the first surface and a reference plane, the reference plane is perpendicular to the film base, and a second inclination angle is between the second surface and the reference plane, wherein the first inclination angle is less than or equal to the second inclination angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: CHI LIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: JUNG-LIEH TSAI, YI-HSING CHIANG, PEI-CHIAN TSAI
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Patent number: 8218239Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising at its surface a grating of lines of at least 200 light-diffusing elements, said elements being separated by domains with a different refractive index from that of the elements, the distance d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements varying in a non-monotonic manner from one edge of the grating to the other, so that for any group of 50 successive elements, the distance d between the centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group is at least once greater than and at least once less than the mean distance dm of distances d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group, dm lying between 75 nm and 200 ?m. This substrate is transparent in direct vision and redirects the light while diffusing it without iridescence in a daylighting application.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Ludivine Menez, Jean-Philippe Mulet, Philippe Lalanne
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Publication number: 20120033301Abstract: A low-cost sunlight redirecting element including multiple substantially identical redirecting structures uniformly arranged and fixedly disposed on a base, where each redirecting structure includes multiple optical surface regions that are cooperatively formed and arranged such that, when the sunlight redirecting element is operably fixedly oriented relative to a stationary target with sunlight directed along an incident direction onto the redirecting structures, at least some of the sunlight is transmitted between the corresponding optical surface regions of each redirecting structure, and redirected from the corresponding optical surface regions toward the target's surface. The optical surface regions are shaped and arranged to redirect the sunlight toward the fixed target surface even when the sunlight's incident angle direction changes during the course of a year. A stationary sunlight redirecting system (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Matthew D. Eisaman, Patrick Y. Maeda
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Patent number: 8111460Abstract: The present invention provides a solar tracking skylight system for illumination, primarily including a light guide, a solar tracking controller, a two-axis tracking mechanism, an energy converter and energy storage system, and a weather protective cover. The system uses the solar tracking controller to detect the direction of the light, thereby enabling the two-axis tracking mechanism to move toward the light to facilitate the light guide in collecting light and diffusing it indoors for illumination use. The protective cover provides waterproofing, and the energy converter and energy storage system is used to store electrical energy generated by the solar energy panel for system use. External power is not needed for the system to operate and provide indoor lighting, thereby achieving the objective of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: National Taipei University of TechnologyInventor: Po-Chuan Huang
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Patent number: 8111461Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising, on its surface, a light-diffusing array comprising at least 10 juxtaposed sub-gratings of parallel lines of features, said features being separated by domains with a refractive index differing from that of the features, each sub-grating comprising at least 20 repeated successive identical features equally spaced apart with a period p, said period varying non-monotonically from one edge of the sub-grating array to the other. This substrate redirects the light without iridescence in a daylighting application.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Paul-Henri Guering, Ludivine Menez, Jean-Philippe Mulet
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Patent number: 8107164Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guiding film including a film base and at least one microstructure. The microstructure is disposed on a side of the film base, and comprises a first surface and a second surface. A first inclination angle is between the first surface and a reference plane, the reference plane is perpendicular with the film base, and a second inclination angle is between the second surface and the reference plane. The total energy of the output light beams with the output angles from 85 to 120 degrees is more than 40% of the total energy of the output light beams with the output angles from 0 to 180 degrees. Therefore, the light guiding film can guide the incident light beams into a room near horizontally and avoid glare.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Chi Lin Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Lieh Tsai
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Patent number: 8098434Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., David G. Freier, Kenneth A. P. Meyer