Abstract in simplified Chinese:一种隐私保护玻璃窗结构可包含一可电控光学活性材料,其提供一隐私保护或散射状态与一可见或透射状态之间的受控转变。为了与控制所述光学活性材料的电极层进行电连接,所述隐私保护玻璃窗结构可以包含一偏移窗格配置。所述结构可包含含有一光学活性材料之第一及第二窗格。所述两个窗格可以由两个层压外窗格包夹。在一些实例中,所述第一及第二窗格沿着它们的侧边缘相对于所述层压外窗格凹入以限定凹槽,电连接特征位于所述凹槽中。尽管所述侧边缘可以凹入,但是所有所述窗格的底边缘可以彼此齐平定位。
Abstract:
A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for masking a selected portion of a workpiece are disclosed. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of providing a workpiece having a shape, providing a mask having a similar shape, and urging an adhesive side of the mask against a first surface of the workpiece. A cutter may be used to form a plurality of cuts in the sheet without contacting the workpiece with the cutter. The plurality of cuts may be arranged to define a mask having a desired shape. The mask may be centered on the workpiece.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for the automatic placement of indicia, such as logo, and manufacturer and material information, on planar workpieces, such as glass. This apparatus is suitable for line processing. When the workpiece arrives at the apparatus, a shuttle, housing a laser, moves over the workpiece to find the edges of the workpiece using an optical sensor also within the shuttle. The shuttle may then move to the interior of the workpiece according to a suitable offset as instructed by the soltware. When the shuttle is in position, the laser may impart one or more indicia to the workpiece at an orientation instructed by a software module. The indicia may consist, for example, of a graphic file, which my be made up of another graphics file such as a logo, and textual information regarding the workpiece properties, place or date of manufacture, or the like.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods of producing and servicing insulating glass units. Methods are provided for reducing the pressure differential on an IG unit, for changing the interior pressure within an IG unit, and for changing the gaseous interior composition within an IG. These methods can be practiced by forming a hole through at least one of the panes of an IG unit, and flowing gas through the hole. One method includes forming a hole through one of the panes of an IG unit, flowing gas through the hole, and sealing the hole with an optically clear sealant (e.g., a transparent resin). A number of methods for producing IG units are also provided. Further, several kits are provided for serviving IG units. There is also provided a method for detecting leaks in an IG unit by flowing an opaque gas into the unit and observing the unit to detect leaks of the opaque gas therefrom.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing an insulating glass unit. The glass unit comprises an insulating glass structure having parallel, spaced glass panes (12, 14) defining between them an interpane space (24) and a peripheral support (16) supporting and spacing the panes with respect to each other. Respective confronting surfaces of the peripheral support and the glass panes define exteriorly accessible spaced recesses (48, 50) between them adjacent each glass surface. In one embodiment, the silicone sealant composition has the capacity to gel within 45 seconds at a predetermined elevated temperature. Flowable components of the heat-curable silicone sealing composition are mixed together without entrapment of air to provide a bubble-free, heat curable sealing composition, and the sealing composition (36) is flowed into the space recesses at the predetermined elevated temperature and gels within 45 seconds, thus reducing or eliminating sagging of the sealant and providing for rapid assembly of the insulating glass units.
Abstract:
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
Abstract:
A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic panel includes a substrate, a photovoltaic coating extending over, and being adhered to, a central region of a major surface of the substrate, and a flexible and electrically non-conductive film overlaying the photovoltaic coating, such that the photovoltaic coating is sandwiched between the film and the substrate. An assembly, which includes the photovoltaic panel, further includes a second substrate, which is joined to the first substrate, for example, by a seal member, such that an air space is enclosed between the film and the second substrate.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic glazing assembly including first and second substrates joined together and spaced apart, on either side of an airspace, by a seal system formed of a first seal and a second seal. A photovoltaic functional coating is disposed over a second major surface of one of the substrates, which faces the second major surface of the other substrate. Lead wires are coupled to bus bars and/or electrical contacts affixed to the functional coating and routed out from the airspace. Affixing the seal system to the first and second substrates, in order to join the substrates together, may be accomplished by applying pressure to the substrates.