| Guardian Industries Corp. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120121829 | WINDOW FOR PREVENTING BIRD COLLISIONS - This invention relates to a window designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may include an insulating glass (IG) window unit having first and second substrates spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and thus bird deaths can be reduced. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120114878 | METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE HAVING ANTIBACTERIAL AND/OR ANTIFUNGAL COATING AND RESULTING PRODUCT - Techniques are provided for making a coated article including an antibacterial and/or antifungal coating. In certain example embodiments, the method includes providing a first sputtering target including Zr; providing a second sputtering target including Zn; and co-sputtering from at least the first and second sputtering targets in the presence of nitrogen to form a layer including Zn | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114842 | COATED ARTICLE SUPPORTING PHOTOCATALYTIC LAYER AND UV-REFLECTING UNDERLAYER, AND/OR METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - Certain example embodiments relate to articles supporting photocatalytic layers that also include UV-reflecting unclerlayers, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the inclusion of a UV-reflecting underlayer surprisingly and unexpectedly results in the reduction of dosing time to enable quick activation of the photocatalytic coating. For example, dosing time may be reduced from a few hours to a few minutes or even seconds in certain example embodiments. The UV-reflecting underlayer may be a single-layer coating or a multi-layer stack. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120097218 | Photovoltaic modules, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094112 | Gadolinium oxide-doped zirconium oxide overcoat and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer in a low-E coating. In certain examples, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094111 | COATED ARTICLE WITH ABSORBING LAYER - A coated article is provided with an absorbing layer(s). The coating is, in certain example embodiments, designed so that significant changes in visible transmission can be made by adjusting thickness of the absorbing layer without significantly affecting certain other characteristics such as certain color values. Such coated articles may be used monolithically or in the context of insulating glass (IG) units in different embodiments of this invention, and may or may not be heat treated. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091475 | Method of treating the surface of a soda lime silica glass substrate, surface-treated glass substrate, and device incorporating the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to methods of treating the surface of a soda lime silica glass substrate, e.g., a soda lime silica alkali ion glass substrate, and the resulting surface-treated glass articles. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to methods of removing a top surface portion of a glass substrate using ion sources. During or after removal of this portion, the glass may then be coated with another layer, to be used as a capping layer. In certain example embodiments, the glass substrate coated with a capping layer may be used as a color filter and/or TFT substrate in an electronic device. In other example embodiments, the glass substrate with the capping layer thereon may be used in a variety of display devices. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090246 | Refrigerator/freezer door, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to refrigerator/freezer doors that include three substantially parallel, spaced apart glass substrates that effectively form two insulating glass units (IGUs), and/or methods of making the same. The substrates in the two IGUs have one or more surfaces coated with a low emissivity coating and also have one or more other surfaces coated with an antireflective coating. In certain example embodiments, one or more of the substrates may be low-iron substrates. For instance, certain example embodiments may include a center substrate that has an antireflective coating disposed on both major surfaces, whereas the outer substrates have low-E coatings disposed on inner surfaces thereof. Advantageously, certain example embodiments combine high energy efficiency with high light transmission. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088045 | Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit including nano-composite pillars, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to composite pillar arrangements for VIG units that include both harder and softer materials. The softer materials are located on the outside or extremities of the central, harder pillar material. In certain example embodiments, a high aspect ratio mineral lamellae is separated by an organic “glue” or polymer. When provided around a high strength pillar, the combination of the pillar and such a nano-composite structure may advantageously result in superior strength compared to a monolithic system, e.g., where significant wind loads, thermal stresses, and/or the like are encountered. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087127 | Light source, device including light source, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for improving the performance of Lambertian and non-Lambertian light sources. In certain example embodiments, this is accomplished by (1) providing an organic-inorganic hybrid material on LEDs (which in certain example embodiments may be a high index of refraction material), (2) enhancing the light scattering ability of the LEDs (e.g., by fractal embossing, patterning, or the like, and/or by providing randomly dispersed elements thereon), and/or (3) improving performance through advanced cooling techniques. In certain example instances, performance enhancements may include, for example, better color production (e.g., in terms of a high CRI), better light production (e.g., in terms of lumens and non-Lambertian lighting), higher internal and/or external efficiency, etc. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087030 | RADIATION CURABLE ADHESIVES FOR REFLECTIVE LAMINATED SOLAR PANELS, LAMINATED SOLAR PANELS INCLUDING RADIATION CURABLE ADHESIVES, AND/OR ASSOCIATED METHODS - Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating flat laminated mirrors, e.g., for use in concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. In certain example embodiments, the first substrate is a low iron glass substrate. A reflective coating is provided between the first and second substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together via a radiation curable laminating adhesive with the reflective coating between the substrates. In certain example embodiments the radiation curable laminating adhesive is cured via UV radiation in order to form a laminated reflective article. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087029 | Mirrors for concentrating solar power (CSP) or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) applications, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating flat laminated mirrors, e.g., for use in concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. In certain example embodiments, the first substrate is a low iron glass substrate, and the second substrate (which may be thicker than the first substrate) is has a higher iron content than the firsts substrate. A reflective coating is provided between the first and second substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the reflective coating between the substrates. In certain example embodiments a reflective article has a reflectivity above 90%, more preferably about 94.5%. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120086023 | Insulating glass (IG) or vacuum insulating glass (VIG) unit including light source, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for improving the performance of Lambertian and non-Lambertian light sources. In certain example embodiments, this is accomplished by (1) providing an organic-inorganic hybrid material on LEDs (which in certain example embodiments may be a high index of refraction material), (2) enhancing the light scattering ability of the LEDs (e.g., by fractal embossing, patterning, or the like, and/or by providing randomly dispersed elements thereon), and/or (3) improving performance through advanced cooling techniques. In certain example instances, performance enhancements may include, for example, better color production (e.g., in terms of a high CRI), better light production (e.g., in terms of lumens and non-Lambertian lighting), higher internal and/or external efficiency, etc. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084963 | COATED ARTICLE WITH SPUTTER-DEPOSITED TRANSPARENT CONDUCTIVE COATING CAPABLE OF SURVIVING HARSH ENVIRONMENTS, AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120082789 | WINDOW WITH ANTI-BACTERIAL AND/OR ANTI-FUNGAL FEATURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a window having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties and/or self-cleaning properties, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a silver based layer is be provided and the layer(s) located thereover (e.g., the zirconium oxide inclusive layer) are designed to permit silver particles to migrate/diffuse to the surface over time to kill bacteria/germs at the surface of the coated article thereby creating an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal effect. In certain example embodiments, silver may also or instead be mixed in with other material as the top layer of the anti-bacterial coating. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080090 | Transparent conductor film stack with cadmium stannate, corresponding photovoltaic device, and method of making same - Certain example embodiments relate to a transparent conductor film stack with cadmium stannate used as a front contact layer and/or a buffer layer in a photovoltaic device or the like. The cadmium stannate-based layers may be provided between the front glass substrate and the semiconductor absorber film in a photovoltaic device (e.g., a CdS and/or CdTe based photovoltaic device). In certain example embodiments, the buffer layer based on cadmium stannate may have a higher resistivity than the transparent conductive oxide layer based on cadmium stannate. In certain example embodiments, one or more index matching layer(s) may be provided between the glass substrate and the layer(s) comprising cadmium stannate, e.g., to help overcome the optical mismatch between the glass substrate and the CdSnOx. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120074399 | Method of making oxide thin film transistor array, and device incorporating the same - Certain example embodiments relate to methods of making oxide thin film transistor arrays (e.g., IGZO, amorphous or polycrystalline ZnO, ZnSnO, InZnO, and/or the like), and devices incorporating the same. Blanket layers of an optional barrier layer, semiconductor, gate insulator, and/or gate metal are disposed on a substrate. These and/or other layers may be deposited on a soda lime or borosilicate substrate via low or room temperature sputtering. These layers may be later patterned and/or further processed in making a TFT array according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, all or substantially all TFT processing may take place at a low temperature, e.g., at or below 150 degrees C., until a post-annealing activation step, and the post-anneal step may take place at a relatively low temperature (e.g., 200-250 degrees C.). | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120070672 | Coated article having boron doped zinc oxide based seed layer with enhanced durability under functional layer and method of making the same - A coated article is provided with at least one functional layer, such as an infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of or including silver and/or gold. A dielectric and substantially transparent seed layer is provided under and directly contacting the functional layer. In certain example embodiments, the seed layer includes an oxide of zinc and boron for increasing the hardness of the layer and thus improving durability of the overall coating. The seed layer may further include aluminum and/or gallium, for enhancing the electrical properties and/or reducing the stress in the resulting coating. The seed layer may be deposited by a substantially metallic target in the presence of oxygen in certain examples. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070652 | Coated article having zinc oxide seed layer with reduced stress under functional layer and method of making the same - A coated article is provided with at least one functional layer, such as an infrared (IR) reflecting layer of or including silver and/or gold. A dielectric and substantially transparent seed layer is provided under and directly contacting the functional layer. In certain example embodiments, the seed layer includes an oxide of zinc and gallium for lowering the stress of the layer and thus improving durability of the overall coating. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067717 | Method of co-sputtering alloys and compounds using a dual C-MAG cathode arrangement and corresponding apparatus - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for sputter-depositing a thin film(s) including two or more materials using targets such as rotating cylindrical sputtering targets, including a method and apparatus. Magnet bar assemblies in first and second adjacent sputtering targets are oriented differently. The different orientations of the magnet bar assemblies allows material from the second target to be sputtered onto the first target, or vice versa. The mixture of material on the first target, including sputtering material from both the first and second targets, is then sputtered onto a substrate to form a sputter-deposited thin film that includes a mixture of the sputtering materials from the targets. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120064234 | ITO-COATED ARTICLE FOR USE WITH TOUCH PANEL DISPLAY ASSEMBLIES, AND/OR METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for making a coated article including a transparent conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film supported by a heat treated glass substrate. A substantially sub-oxidized ITO or metallic indium-tin (InSn) film is sputter-deposited onto a glass substrate at room temperature. The glass substrate with the as-deposited film thereon is subjected to elevated temperatures. Thermal tempering or heat strengthening causes the as-deposited film to be transformed into a crystalline transparent conductive ITO film. Advantageously, this may reduce the cost of touch panel assemblies, e.g., because of the higher rates of the ITO deposition in the metallic mode. The cost of touch-panel assemblies may be further reduced through the use of float glass. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060916 | FRONT ELECTRODE FOR USE IN PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and/or one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120057236 | Temperable three layer antirefrlective coating, coated article including temperable three layer antirefrlective coating, and/or method of making the same - A coated article includes a temperable antireflection (AR) coating that utilizes medium and low index (index of refraction “n”) layers having compressive residual stress in the AR coating. In certain example embodiments, the coating may include the following layers from the glass substrate outwardly: silicon oxynitride (SiO | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120040160 | METHOD OF MAKING HEAT TREATED AND ION-BEAM ETCHED/MILLED COATED ARTICLE USING DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON (DLC) PROTECTIVE FILM - There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include both (a) an oxygen blocking or barrier layer, and (b) a release layer. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120015196 | METHOD OF MAKING HEAT TREATED COATED ARTICLE USING DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON (DLC) COATING AND PROTECTIVE FILM ON ACID-ETCHED SURFACE - There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include both (a) an oxygen blocking or barrier layer, and (b) a release layer. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110315554 | Satin nickel electroplating techniques that include homogenization units - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved electroplating techniques. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electroplating techniques that incorporate a homogenization unit to help maintain an emulsion within an electrolyte solution (e.g., a nickel electrolyte solution) used in creating a finish (e.g., a satin nickel finish) in an electroplating process. By varying the operational characteristics of the unit (including, for example, pressure, velocity, pore size, ultrasound wave frequency, sonication time, etc.), it becomes possible to control the emulsion particle size distribution so as, for example, increase or decrease the diameter of such particles and thereby resulting in a deposit with a desired surface topography. It will be appreciated that the variations in size will cause variation in surface topography which, in turn, will change the surface appearance. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110290295 | Thermoelectric/solar cell hybrid coupled via vacuum insulated glazing unit, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments provide techniques for improving the output of hybrid systems comprising photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) modules in conjunction with super-insulating, yet optically transmissive, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit technologies. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to hybrid systems including hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (mc-Si), hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si), bulk hetero junction solar cell, and/or the like, that may be used together with a TE generator, that achieves high operational PV and TE efficiencies under ambient conditions. In that regard, certain example embodiments effectively partition the solar spectrum in order to yield an increased conversion efficiency of a PV-TE hybrid system with a solar cell operating at ambient temperature. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110284366 | Coated article with high visible transmission and low emissivity - A coated article that can be used in applications such as insulating glass (IG) units, so that resulting IG units can achieve high visible transmission of at least 70% (e.g., when using clear glass substrates from 1.0 to 3.5 mm thick), combined with at least one of: (a) SHGC no greater than about 0.45, more preferably no greater than about 0.40; (b) SC no greater than about 0.49, more preferably no greater than about 0.46; (c) chemical and/or mechanical durability; (d) neutral transmissive color such that transmissive a* is from −5.0 to 0 (more preferably from −3.5 to −1.5), and transmissive b* is from −2.0 to 4.0 (more preferably from 1.0 to 3.0); and (e) neutral reflective color from the exterior of the IG unit (i.e., Rg/R | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110275506 | Low iron high transmission glass with boron oxide for improved optics, durability and refining, and corresponding method - This invention relates to a high transmission low iron glass that includes boron oxide. The boron oxide, added to this low iron glass, has the effect of improving glass refining, homogeneity and quality (lower seed count) through its flux action and improves glass optical parameters of green and clear glass through the change in refractive index and surface tension. Boron oxide lends to broader and weaker absorption band of such transition element(s) as iron which additionally improves the transmittance of low iron clear glass in certain example embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, the addition of boron oxide in certain quantities in advantageous in that it improves the chemical durability of the glass by decreasing the USPX (or USPXIII) value of the glass via suppression of the silica, sodium ions in the glass structure. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274854 | Method of making window unit including diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating - A method of making a coated article (e.g., window unit), and corresponding coated article are provided. A layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed on a glass substrate. Then, a protective layer is formed on the substrate over the DLC inclusive layer. During heat treatment (HT), the protective layer prevents the DLC inclusive layer from significantly burning off. Thereafter, the resulting coated glass substrate may be used as desired, it having been HT and including the protective DLC inclusive layer. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110263066 | Patterned glass cylindrical lens arrays for concentrated photovoltaic systems, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to patterned glass that can be used as a cylindrical lens array in a concentrated photovoltaic application, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells and/or single-axis tracking systems. That is, in certain example embodiments, lenses in the lens array may be arranged so as to concentrate incident light onto respective strip solar cells, and the entire assembly may be connected to a single-axis tracking system that is programmed to follow the East-West movement of the sun. A low-iron glass may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259394 | Patterned glass cylindrical lens arrays for concentrated photovoltaic systems, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to patterned glass that can be used as a cylindrical lens array in a concentrated photovoltaic application, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells and/or single-axis tracking systems. That is, in certain example embodiments, lenses in the lens array may be arranged so as to concentrate incident light onto respective strip solar cells, and the entire assembly may be connected to a single-axis tracking system that is programmed to follow the East-West movement of the sun. A low-iron glass may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110256408 | Method of making coated article having anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal coating and resulting product - A method is provided for making a coated article including an anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal coating. In certain example embodiments, the method includes providing a first sputtering target including Zr; providing a second sputtering target including Zn; and co-sputtering from at least the first and second sputtering targets to form a layer comprising Zn | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110233481 | Fluorinated silver paste for forming electrical connections in highly dielectric films, and related products and methods - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to silver pastes that are capable of making an electrical connection with at least one conductive layer in a layer stack, even where the at least one conductive layer is protected by one or more strong dielectric layers, and/or methods of making the same. Certain example embodiments include a chemically modified silver paste that may be cured or fired using a standard glass tempering furnace (e.g., an electrical or gas-fuelled furnace) or a short-wave infrared heating process at temperatures below 750 degrees C. In certain example embodiments, the fluorine causes apertures or micro-factures in the dielectric layer(s), which allows the silver in the paste to move therethrough (e.g., by capillary action) to form a contact with the conductive layer(s). | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110219702 | Slider window for pick-up truck, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened. Safety features may include, for example, teeth provided to the upper and/or lower elongated rails of the window assembly and/or a downwardly extending flange provided to the upper rail of the window assembly. Water management features may include, for example, one or more sealing bulbs provided to the window assembly and/or a draining recess or channel provided to the lower rail of the window assembly. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110217455 | Large-area transparent conductive coatings including alloyed carbon nanotubes and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The σ | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110217451 | Large-area transparent conductive coatings including doped carbon nanotubes and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The σ | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214733 | Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode acts as not only a transparent conductive front contact/electrode but also a short pass filter that allows an increased amount of photons having high energy (such as in visible and near infra-red regions of the spectrum) into the active region or absorber of the photovoltaic device. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214728 | Electronic devices including transparent conductive coatings including carbon nanotubes and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The σ | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110212312 | Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating capable of surviving harsh environments, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212311 | Articles including anticondensation and/or low-E coatings and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation and/or low-E coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation and/or low-E coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110210656 | Articles including anticondensation coatings and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110186120 | Textured coating with various feature sizes made by using multiple-agent etchant for thin-film solar cells and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to solar cell devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to a front transparent conductive electrode for solar cell devices (e.g., micro-morph silicon thin-film solar cells), and/or methods of making the same. The electrode of certain example embodiments may include a textured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. The textured layer and/or coating may include at least two feature sizes, wherein at least one type of feature is comparable in size to the wavelength of solar light absorbed by the amorphous portion of the micro-morph silicon solar cell, and the other feature size being comparable to that of micro-crystalline portion. Double-agent etchants may be used to produce such different features sizes. Using a textured TCO-based layer having different feature sizes may improve the efficiency of the solar cell. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110180130 | Highly-conductive and textured front transparent electrode for a-si thin-film solar cells, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments incorporate a “hybrid” design for the front electrode of solar cells, which advantageously combines naturally textured pyrolytic tin oxide and highly-conductive sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO). In certain example embodiments of this invention, a method of making a front electrode superstrate for a solar cell is provided. A glass substrate is provided. A layer of tin oxide is pyrolytically deposited on the glass substrate, with the layer of tin oxide being textured as a result of the pyrolytic deposition and with the layer of tin oxide being haze producing. A layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) is sputter-deposited on the layer of tin oxide, with the layer of ITO being generally conformal with respect to the layer of tin oxide. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film layer stack is formed on the layer of ITO in making the front electrode superstrate. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110176236 | Coated articles with heat treatable coating for concentrated solar power applications, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to heat treatable coated articles, e.g., suitable for concentrating solar power (CSP) and/or other applications. For instance, the heat treatable coated article may be a secondary reflector panel, primary reflector, etc., where a reflective coating is disposed on a glass substrate. A portion of the reflective coating may be removed and a frit material is disposed over the reflective coating. An elevated temperature may be applied to the glass substrate, the coating, and the frit material where the frit is cured. The coated article may be left flat, or optionally cold- or hot-bent into a desired shape suitable for a desired application. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110171402 | Grille badge and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a grille badge including an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169402 | EMI filter for plasma display panel - A plasma display panel (PDP) includes an EMI filter at a front portion thereof for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves. The filters has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. In certain example embodiments, a silver based coating of the EMI filter reduces damage from EMI radiation through highly conductive Ag layers, blocks significant amounts of NIR and IR radiation from outdoor sunlight to reduce PDP panel temperature, and enhances contrast ratio through reduced reflection, while maintaining high visible transmission. In certain example embodiments, at least one layer of or including silicon nitride may be Si-rich, and/or at least one layer including an oxide of Ni and/or Cr may be a suboxide, in order to improve heat treatability of the coated article. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168252 | Textured coating with etching-blocking layer for thin-film solar cells and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a front electrode for solar cell devices (e.g., amorphous silicon or a-Si solar cell devices), and/or methods of making the same. Advantageously, certain example embodiments include a layer that acts as an etch-stop layer. In certain example embodiments, the blocking layer is provided between a transparent conductive oxide layer including AZO and a conductive layer. In certain example embodiments, a weak acid may be used to texture the layer including AZO. A semiconductor may be provided over the textured layer including AZO. The blocking layer provided between the layer of AZO and the IR reflecting layer may be more resistant to etching by weak acids than the layer based on AZO. Therefore, in certain example embodiments, the blocking layer may substantially reduce the risk of the semiconductor coming into contact with the conductive layer (which may be based on Ag). | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110159199 | Large area combustion deposition line, and associated methods - Certain example embodiments relate to an in-line scalable system that may be used in the combustion deposition depositing of thin films. The systems of certain example embodiments may comprise one or more modules, with each such module including at least one burner and at least one high volume cooling section. In certain example implementations, multiple burners and multiple cooling sections are provided to a single module in alternating order. The systems of certain example embodiments may, in addition or in the alternative, comprise a combined flame guard and exhaust system. The combined flame guard and exhaust system of certain example embodiments advantageously may provide a means to reduce the amount of interference of the deposition process by ambient conditions, improve flame uniformity in the deposition zone, contain and exhaust combustion products while reducing restrictions to the stable operating space of the combustion deposition process, etc. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159198 | Flame guard and exhaust system for large area combustion deposition line, and associated methods - Certain example embodiments relate to an in-line scalable system that may be used in the combustion deposition depositing of thin films. The systems of certain example embodiments may comprise one or more modules, with each such module including at least one burner and at least one high volume cooling section. In certain example implementations, multiple burners and multiple cooling sections are provided to a single module in alternating order. The systems of certain example embodiments may, in addition or in the alternative, comprise a combined flame guard and exhaust system. The combined flame guard and exhaust system of certain example embodiments advantageously may provide a means to reduce the amount of interference of the deposition process by ambient conditions, improve flame uniformity in the deposition zone, contain and exhaust combustion products while reducing restrictions to the stable operating space of the combustion deposition process, etc. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110157703 | Temperable three layer antireflective coating, coated article including temperable three layer antireflective coating, and/or method of making the same - A coated article includes a temperable antireflection (AR) coating that utilizes medium and low index (index of refraction “n”) layers having compressive residual stress in the AR coating. In certain example embodiments, the coating may include the following layers from the glass substrate outwardly: silicon oxynitride (SiO | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110135914 | Scratch resistant coated glass article including carbide layer(s) resistant to fluoride-based etchant(s) - A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s). In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) is substantially transparent to visible light. In certain embodiments, a DLC layer(s) may be provided over the anti-etch layer. An underlayer may be provided under the anti-etch layer(s) in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) may be of or include a carbide and/or oxycarbide of Zr, Sn or the like. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110133640 | Plasma display panel including EMI filter, and/or method of making the same - A plasma display panel (PDP) includes a frameless EMI filter supported by a glass substrate for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves, with the filter being supported by a side of the substrate opposite a viewer. In certain example embodiments, the PDP filter includes a transparent conductive coating (TCC) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and near infrared (NIR) blocking without the need for a conductive, peripheral buss bar. Additionally, in certain example embodiments, the need for a conductive frame is reduced or eliminated. The filter has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110126473 | Vehicle seal system, and/or method of making the same - In certain example embodiments of this invention, improved seal systems that include flexible seals that are integrally formed (e.g., co-extruded) with other vehicle components, and/or methods of making the same, are provided. In certain example embodiments, some or all sealing system components may be integrated into trim and/or other components of the vehicle such as, for example, more structural elements of the vehicle that generally are required to be present. For instance, in certain example embodiments, the current U-shaped seal that typically is used to receive the glass of a window may be replaced with seal members attached to elements of the overall vehicle construct. Certain example embodiments accomplish this integration, for example, by forming seal members together with the trim components, e.g., as a part of the roll form and/or extruding processes. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110117371 | Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer - A coated article is provided which may be heat treated thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110111204 | Window with anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal feature and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a window having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties and/or self-cleaning properties, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a silver based layer is be provided and the layer(s) located thereover (e.g., the zirconium oxide inclusive layer) are designed to permit silver particles to migrate/diffuse to the surface over time to kill bacteria/germs at the surface of the coated article thereby creating an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal effect. In certain example embodiments, silver may also or instead be mixed in with other material as the top layer of the anti-bacterial coating. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110104374 | Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or zirconium in coating - In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100446 | High haze transparent contact including ion-beam treated layer for solar cells, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a front transparent conductive electrode for solar cell devices (e.g., amorphous silicon or a-Si solar cell devices), and/or methods of making the same. Advantageously, certain example embodiments enable high haze to be realized in the top layer of the thin film stack. In certain example embodiments, an insertion layer comprising ITO or AZO is provided between a layer of AZO and a layer of ITO. The AZO may be deposited at room temperature. The insertion layer is provided with an oxygen content selected so that the insertion layer sufficient to alter the crystalline growth of the layer of AZO compared to a situation where no insertion layer is provided. In certain example embodiments, the layer of ITO may be ion-beam treated so as to roughen a surface thereof. The ion beam treating may be performed a voltage sufficient to alter the crystalline growth of the layer of AZO compared to a situation where no insertion layer is provided. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100445 | High haze transparent contact including insertion layer for solar cells, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a front transparent conductive electrode for solar cell devices (e.g., amorphous silicon or a-Si solar cell devices), and/or methods of making the same. Advantageously, certain example embodiments enable high haze to be realized in the top layer of the thin film stack. In certain example embodiments, an insertion layer comprising ITO or AZO is provided between a layer of AZO and a layer of ITO. The AZO may be deposited at room temperature. The insertion layer is provided with an oxygen content selected so that the insertion layer sufficient to alter the crystalline growth of the layer of AZO compared to a situation where no insertion layer is provided. In certain example embodiments, the layer of ITO may be ion-beam treated so as to roughen a surface thereof. The ion beam treating may be performed a voltage sufficient to alter the crystalline growth of the layer of AZO compared to a situation where no insertion layer is provided. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110097841 | Rear electrode structure for use in photovoltaic device such as CIGS/CIS photovoltaic device and method of making same - A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the rear electrode includes a metallic based reflective film that is oxidation graded, so as to be more oxided closer to a rear substrate (e.g., glass substrate) supporting the electrode than at a location further from the rear substrate. In other words, the rear electrode is oxidation graded so as to be less oxided closer to a semiconductor absorber of the photovoltaic device than at a location further from the semiconductor absorber in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear substrate may optionally be textured so that the rear electrode deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode may be of or include Mo and/or MoO | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110094580 | Photovoltaic device including front electrode having titanium oxide inclusive layer with high refractive index - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode (e.g., front electrode) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) of the front electrode for use in a photovoltaic device is of or includes titanium oxide doped with one or more of Nb, Zn and/or Al. Additional layers may also be provided in the front electrode in certain example embodiments. It has been found that the use of transparent conductive TiO | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110081532 | Silicon titanium oxide coating, coated article including silicon titanium oxide coating, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a layer of or including Ti | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110061730 | Textured rear electrode structure for use in photovoltaic device such as CIGS/CIS solar cell - A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode comprises a reflective film (e.g., of Mo or the like) including one or more layers provided on an interior surface of a rear glass substrate of the photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface(s) of the rear glass substrate and/or reflective film is/are textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. The rear glass substrate and textured rear electrode/reflector are used in a photovoltaic device (e.g., CIS or CIGS solar cell) where an active semiconductor film is provided between the rear electrode/reflector and a front electrode(s). | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110048925 | Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating capable of surviving harsh environments, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110030991 | Large area deposition and doping of graphene, and products including the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030879 | Debonding and transfer techniques for hetero-epitaxially grown graphene, and products including the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030772 | Electronic device including graphene-based layer(s), and/or method or making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110000602 | Method of making window unit - A method of making a window unit is provided which may result in improved yields. In certain example embodiments, the method involves coating a substrate with both (i) a solar control/management coating, and (ii) a protective layer (e.g., of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC)) over the solar control/management coating. The protective layer protects the coated substrate from scratches and/or the like during processing prior to heat treatment. Then, during heat treatment, the protective layer(s) is burned off in part or in whole. Following heat treatment, the coated article (substrate with solar control/management coating thereon) is coupled to another substrate in order to form the window unit. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100330309 | Frit or solder glass compound including beads, and assemblies incorporating the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to frits or solder glass compounds that include beads, and/or assemblies such as, for example, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units or plasma display panels (PDPs) including the same. In certain example embodiments, the beads may be hollow glass beads of any suitable shape (e.g., substantially spherical, substantially eye shaped, substantially oblong, substantially square shaped, etc.) with or without evacuated cavities. The inclusion of such beads in a frit material may improve the thermal properties of the bulk fired frit in certain example instances. Additionally, the inclusion of such beads in a frit material may take the place of other more expensive materials in the frit, thereby reducing the costs associated with the fabrication of the assemblies. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100330308 | Non-toxic water-based frit slurry paste, and assembly incorporating the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100304523 | Method of enhancing the conductive and optical properties of deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of activating an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film deposited, directly or indirectly, on a substrate. The ITO thin film is baked in a low oxygen environment at a temperature of at least 450 degrees C. for at least 10 minutes so as to provide for (1) a post-baked resistivity of the ITO thin film that is below a resistivity of a corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, (2) a post-baked visible spectrum absorption and transmission of the ITO thin film that respectively are below and above the absorption and transmission of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, and (3) a post-baked infrared reflectivity of the ITO thin film that is above the reflectivity of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film. The substrate with the activated ITO thin film may be used in a photovoltaic device, for example. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100295330 | Coated article with low-e coating having zinc stannate based layer between IR reflecting layers for reduced mottling and corresponding method - A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) and/or heat bent in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a zinc stannate based layer is provided between a tin oxide based layer and a silicon nitride based layer, and this has been found to significantly reduce undesirable mottling damage upon heat treatment/bending. This results in significantly improved bendability of the coated article in applications such as vehicle windshields and the like. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100279144 | Coated article with low-E coating having titanium oxide layer and/or nicr based layer(s) to improve color values and/or transmission, and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a coated article including a low-E coating. In certain example embodiments, a titanium oxide inclusive bottom layer stack and/or a NiCr-based layer(s) are designed to improve b* coloration values and/or transmission of the coated article. These layer stack portions also are advantageous in that they permit a double-silver coated article to achieve (i) an LSG value (T | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100279038 | Edge profiles for vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units, and/or VIG unit including the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units. The VIG unit may comprise first and second substrates with inner and outer substantially planar surfaces. For either or both of the first and second substrates, when considered along a side cross-section, a portion of the inner planar surface is removed proximate to an outer edge of the glass substrate so as to form a shoulder portion. An inner surface of the shoulder portion is angled (a negative number of degrees, zero degrees, or a positive number of degrees) relative to the inner and outer planar surfaces. The shoulder portion at its smallest height is at least about 50% of the glass substrate at its largest height. A side portion of the step proximate the edge also may be angled, e.g., so that it is or is not perpendicular to the planar surfaces. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276274 | Heat treatable coated article with zinc oxide inclusive contact layer(s) - A coated article is provided so as to have a fairly high visible transmission (TY or T | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100275654 | Vacuum insulating glass unit including infrared meltable glass frit, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units including infrared meltable glass frits, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to increasing the amount of ferrous oxide in glass frits (e.g., lead-free glass frits) used to form edge seals such that the glass frits absorb an increased amount of IR energy. The techniques of certain example embodiments make it possible to expose some or all of the VIG intermediate assembly to infrared source(s), since the glass frit will heat up faster than the substrates thereby reducing the likelihood of the first and/or second substrate melting and losing heat treatment strength. In certain example embodiments, the frit's glass redox (FeO/Fe | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100273002 | Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or Zirconium in coating - In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is very scratch resistant and durable. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100269901 | Method of making a photovoltaic device with scratch-resistant coating and resulting product - A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a metal oxide sol by mixing silane(s) with a metal oxide, a second catalyst, and a third solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing the metal oxide sol with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and metal oxide containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100242587 | Rain sensor for detecting rain or other material on window of a vehicle or on other surface - A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100215967 | Techniques for applying mar reducing overcoats to articles having layer stacks disposed thereon - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for applying an overcoat (e.g., which may include an organic material) to a coated article having a layer stack already disposed thereon in order to reduce the potential for surface marring. An evacuative process may be used to deposit the mar reducing overcoat. The coated article including the mar-reducing overcoat has a contact angle greater than, and a surface friction less than, a contact angle and a surface friction of the single- or multi-layer stack supported by the substrate alone. Any marring due to cat-scratching or the like preferably would not be visible at 4× magnification following application of the mar reducing overcoat. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100209730 | Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating for refrigeration/freezer units, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) for use in, for example, refrigeration and/or freezer units (e.g., as doors, windows, etc.). The TCC may include a silver-based conductive layer, at least partially protected by a zirconium oxide overcoat. Such TCCs may be provided in connection with monolithic or multi-substrate arrangements in different example embodiments. Certain example embodiments may involve “active” modes, where a silver-based layer in the TCC may receive a voltage, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of frosting, freezing, fogging, condensation, and/or the like, on the glass substrate that supports the TCC. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100209729 | Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating capable of surviving harsh environments, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100206290 | Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating capable of surviving harsh environments, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100186450 | Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or zirconium in coating - In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100175988 | Apparatus and method for making sputtered films with reduced stress asymmetry - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for reducing stress asymmetry in sputtered polycrystalline films. In certain example embodiments, sputtering apparatuses that include one or more substantially vertical, non-conductive shield(s) are provided, with such shield(s) helping to reduce the oblique component of sputter material flux, thereby promoting the growth of more symmetrical crystallites. In certain example embodiments, the difference between the travel direction tensile stress and the cross-coater tensile stress of the sputtered film preferably is less than about 15%, more preferably less than about 10%, and still more preferably less than about 5%. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100152014 | Clear glass composition with high visible transmittance - A high transmittance fairly clear/neutral colored glass composition is provided. An oxidizing agent(s) such as cerium oxide (e.g., CeO | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100129561 | Remote combustion deposition burner and/or related methods - Certain example embodiments relate to a burner for use in combustion deposition depositing a coating on a substrate. An infrared (IR) burner generates radiant energy in an area between the burner and the substrate. A delivery device (1) provides a stream comprising a substantially vaporized precursor and a carrier gas from a location remote from the radiant energy generated by the IR burner, and (2) causes the stream to flow between the substrate and the IR burner. The stream is substantially laminar when exiting the delivery device. The radiant energy is sufficient to cause the precursor in the stream to be combusted and to heat the substrate to allow at least a portion of the combusted precursor to form the coating, directly or indirectly, on the substrate. The burners of certain example embodiments may be used, for example, to combustion deposition deposit metal oxide coatings onto glass substrates. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100122900 | ITO-coated article for use with touch panel display assemblies, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for making a coated article including a transparent conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film supported by a heat treated glass substrate. A substantially sub-oxidized ITO or metallic indium-tin (InSn) film is sputter-deposited onto a glass substrate at room temperature. The glass substrate with the as-deposited film thereon is subjected to elevated temperatures. Thermal tempering or heat strengthening causes the as-deposited film to be transformed into a crystalline transparent conductive ITO film. Advantageously, this may reduce the cost of touch panel assemblies, e.g., because of the higher rates of the ITO deposition in the metallic mode. The cost of touch-panel assemblies may be further reduced through the use of float glass. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100107505 | Modifiable slider glass assemblies for utility cabs and vehicles, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails. The channels in the forward and rear end details are formed so that the slidable panel is movable slightly outwardly towards the hole when the slidable window is being closed and slightly inwardly away from the hole when the slidable window is being opened. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100104840 | Low-E coated articles and methods of making same - In certain example embodiments, low-E coated articles may be designed so as to realize a combination of good visible transmission (T | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100089444 | Method of making front electrode of photovoltaic device having etched surface and corresponding photovoltaic device - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a photovoltaic (PV) device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode has a textured (e.g., etched) surface that faces the photovoltaic semiconductor film of the PV device. The front electrode has a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film having first and second layers (continuous or discontinuous) of the same material (e.g., zinc oxide, zinc aluminum oxide, indium-tin-oxide, or tin oxide), where the first TCO layer is sputter-deposited using a ceramic sputtering target(s) and the second TCO layer of the same material is sputter-deposited using a metallic or substantially metallic sputtering target(s). This allows the better quality TCO of the film, deposited more slowly via the ceramic target(s), to be formed using the ceramic target and the lesser quality TCO of the film to be deposited more quickly and cost effectively via the metallic target(s). After the etching, most or all of the better quality ceramic-deposited TCO remains whereas much of the lesser quality metallic-deposited TCO of the film was removed during the etching process. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100086774 | Display-on-demand mirror with optional defogging feature, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to robust semi-transparent coatings that are suitable for use in a wide variety of display-on-demand mirror applications, and methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a coating supported by a glass substrate. A reflective metal-inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the glass substrate. A silicon oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the reflective metallic layer. A titanium oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the silicon oxide inclusive layer. The metal-inclusive layer is formed so as to reflect incoming light away from the glass substrate such that substantially less incoming light would be reflected away from the glass substrate if lighting were provided on a side of the glass substrate opposite the coating than if no lighting were provided. The surface of the coated article need not necessarily be conductive. The metal-inclusive layer may be connected to a power source so as to heat it (e.g., for defogging purposes). | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100075157 | Scratch-and etch-resistant coated glass article, and method of making same - A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluorine-inclusive etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluorine-inclusive etchant(s), a scratch resistant layer of or including DLC is provided over the anti-layer(s), and a seed layer is provided between the anti-layer(s) and the scratch resistant layer so as to facilitate the adhesion of the scratch resistant layer while also helping to protect the anti-layer(s). Optionally, a base layer(s) or underlayer(s) may be under at least the anti-etch layer(s). | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075156 | Heat treatable coated article with zinc doped zirconium based layer(s) in coating - In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a Zn-doped zirconium based layer before heat treatment (HT). The coated article is heat treated sufficiently to cause the Zn-doped zirconium based layer to transform into a Zn-doped zirconium oxide based layer that is scratch resistant and/or chemically durable. The doping of the layer with Zn has been found to improve scratch resistance and/or corrosion resistance. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075155 | Coated article having low-E coating with ion beam treated IR reflecting layer and corresponding method - A coated article is provided that may be used as a vehicle windshield, insulating glass (IG) window unit, or the like. An ion beam is used during at least part of forming an infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of such a coated article. Advantageously, this has been found to improve sheet resistance (R | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100068404 | Draw-off coating apparatus for making coating articles, and/or methods of making coated articles using the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a draw-off coating apparatus and/or system for depositing a coating on a substrate (e.g., a glass substrate), and/or a method of making coating articles using the same. At least one substrate to be coated is inserted into a tank. A liquid or sol-gel like mixture (either or both of which may have a low viscosity) is pumped into the tank in a controlled manner. The at least one substrate is allowed to dwell in the mixture. The liquid or sol-gel like mixture is drawn-off of the tank in another controlled manner. The drawn-off liquid or sol-gel like mixture may be provided to another tank having at least one substrate to be coated. Thus, it is possible in certain example embodiments to form coatings on large-dimension glass substrates, while enabling desired coating performance on one or both surfaces of the glass substrates to be achieved. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100067223 | Lighting system cover including AR-coated textured glass, and method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to lighting system covers that include AR-coated textured glass, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, at least one light source is provided proximate to a cover comprising a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the surface that is closer to the at least one light source, and the glass substrate is textured (e.g., such that it is substantially prismatic in texture) on the surface opposite the AR-coated surface. The surface of the glass substrate on which the AR coating is formed may be a flat, irregular, or textured matte. An optional AR coating also may be formed on the textured surface of the glass substrate. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100062931 | POROUS TITANIUM DIOXIDE COATINGS AND METHODS OF FORMING POROUS TITANIUM DIOXIDE COATINGS HAVING IMPROVED PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY - Methods for forming porous anatase titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions are prepared having at least one porosity agent, are applied to a substrate, and at least one porosity agent is removed. Porous anatase titanium dioxide coatings having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, hydrophilicity, and/or temperability are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062265 | Titanium Dioxide Coatings and Methods of Forming Titanium Dioxide Coatings Having Reduced Crystallite Size - Methods for forming titanium dioxide coatings having crystals comprising reduced crystallite size are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions are prepared, formed on a substrate, and the coated substrate is heated at a temperature sufficient to form a titanium dioxide coating with crystals having a reduced crystallite size. Titanium dioxide coatings having crystals comprising reduced crystallite size and having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, and/or hydrophilicity are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062033 | Stable Silver Colloids and Silica-Coated Silver Colloids, and Methods of Preparing Stable Silver Colloids and Silica-Coated Silver Colloids - Methods for preparing silver colloids and silica-coated silver colloids are disclosed. The silver colloids may be prepared by heating a silver-containing solution, combining the heated silver-containing solution with an acid solution, and cooling the combined solutions to form a silver colloid containing silver particles. The silver particles in the silver colloid can further be coated with silica. A method for preparing antimicrobial coatings is also disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062032 | Doped Titanium Dioxide Coatings and Methods of Forming Doped Titanium Dioxide Coatings - Methods for forming doped titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions are prepared having at least one dopant, are formed on a substrate, and heated at a temperature sufficient to form a doped anatase titanium dioxide coating. Doped titanium dioxide coatings having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, hydrophilicity, and/or activation time are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100047464 | Method of making heat treatable coated article with protective layer - A soda inclusive glass substrate is coated with a highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon inclusive layer that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100046191 | Plasma display panel including frameless EMI filter, and/or method of making the same - A plasma display panel (PDP) includes a frameless EMI filter supported by a glass substrate for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves, with the filter being supported by a side of the substrate opposite a viewer. In certain example embodiments, the PDP filter includes a transparent conductive coating (TCC) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and near infrared (NIR) blocking without the need for a conductive, peripheral buss bar. Additionally, in certain example embodiments, the need for a conductive frame is reduced or eliminated. The filter has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100044222 | Sputtering target including magnetic field uniformity enhancing sputtering target backing tube - Certain example embodiments relate to sputtering target backing tube that are slightly ferromagnetic, thereby providing small-scale shunting that reduces the occurrence or magnitude of short-range magnetic field deviations during magnetron sputtering with cylindrical sputtering targets. For example, backing tube allows may be carefully optimized to be somewhat ferromagnetic, thereby enhancing the uniformity of the magnetic field generated by the magnet bar. In certain example embodiments, short range magnetic field deviations may be reduced to less than about 5% from average, more preferably less than about 2% from average, and still more preferably less than about 1% from average. Such short range magnetic field deviation reducing target backing tubes may be used in along with, or in place of, shims or shunts that address long range magnetic field deviations. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100040892 | Coated article with transparent conductive oxide film doped to adjust Fermi level, and method of making same - A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based film is formed on a substrate. The film may be formed by sputter-depositing, so as to include both a primary dopant (e.g., Al) and a co-dopant (e.g., Ag). The benefit of using the co-dopant in depositing the TCO inclusive film may be two-fold: (a) it may prevent or reduce self-compensation of the primary dopant by a more proper positioning of the Fermi level, and/or (b) it may promote declustering of the primary dopant, thereby freeing up space in the metal sublattice and permitting more primary dopant to create electrically active centers so as to improve conductivity of the film. Accordingly, the use of the co-dopant permits the primary dopant to be more effective in enhancing conductivity of the TCO inclusive film, without significantly sacrificing visible transmission characteristics. An example TCO in certain embodiments is ZnAlO | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100032287 | Method of making window unit including diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating - A method of making a coated article (e.g., window unit), and corresponding coated article are provided. A layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed on a glass substrate. Then, a protective layer is formed on the substrate over the DLC inclusive layer. During heat treatment (HT), the protective layer prevents the DLC inclusive layer from significantly burning off. Thereafter, the resulting coated glass substrate may be used as desired, it having been HT and including the protective DLC inclusive layer. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100027144 | Articles with protective coating - A first-surface mirror or other substrate includes protective coating and is for use in a solar collector, projection television, or the like. In certain example embodiments, a protective coating is formed over a reflective coating of a first surface mirror. In other aspects, this application is related to other coated articles, including, for example, articles (such as insulating glass (IG) window units) having coatings providing for low emissivity. In certain example embodiments, the protective coating may comprise organic materials containing alkyl chains or fluoro-alkyl chains and reactive functionalities comprising silicon and/or phosphorous so as to protect the reflective coating and improve durability. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100025229 | Apparatus and method for sputtering target debris reduction - Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for reducing the amount of debris being formed on the surface of planar sputtering targets. More particularly, a coating may be applied to the sputtering material in areas where sputtering substantially does not occur (typically inside and outside of a racetrack) in certain example embodiments. The coating optionally may be cured. In certain example embodiments, the coating may be include inorganic materials or materials that resist decomposition in a severely oxidizing environment, and/or are electrically non-conductive materials. For example, the coating may be a cured-form sol-gel comprising, for example, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and/or the like. The coating substantially encapsulates the target material where sputtering substantially does not occur, thus reducing the amount of debris that is created during sputter coating. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100024953 | Method of making a coated glass article, and intermediate product used in same - A temporary protective coating is provided over a coated glass substrate. The temporary protective coating includes a hot melt adhesive and is preferably applied in liquid form then solidified on the substrate. Moreover, the temporary protective coating can be easily removed by simply peeling it off. In certain example embodiments, the temporary protective coating is applied after heat treatment and is removed by peeling it off before the coated substrate is coupled to another substrate to form a window unit such as an IG window unit or a laminated vehicle windshield. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100024874 | Titania coating and method of making same - Methods of making titania coatings having self-cleaning properties, and associated articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a layer comprising titanium dioxide. The substrate may support multiple layers. After curing using ultraviolet radiation and/or electron beams, the resulting coating may inhibit fouling. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100013269 | B-pillar having electronic control device, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle pillar (e.g., a B-pillar) electronic control device, and/or a method of making the same. A pillar is molded, with the pillar being at least initially clear. An inner surface of the pillar is painted a desired color. Areas of the paint are laser etched away from the inner surface of the pillar to form one or more symbols. At least some of the symbols correspond to control buttons and/or indicators. Each symbol is substantially flush with an outer surface of the pillar. Control electronics are inserted into a recess formed in the pillar, with the recess being formed in the inner surface of the pillar. The control electronics are sealed in the recess via an adhesive. The adhesive may have a foam core. The pillar may be substantially impermeable with respect to debris and/or other elements. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090324967 | Coated article with low-E coating including zirconium oxide and/or zirconium silicon oxynitride and methods of making same - This application relates to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like in a low-E coating. In certain embodiments, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090324934 | Coated article with low-E coating having absorbing layer designed to neutralize color at off-axis viewing angles - An absorbing layer of a low-E coating is designed to cause the coating to have a more neutral and/or green color at normal and/or certain off-axis viewing angles. In certain example embodiments, the metallic or substantially metallic absorbing layer (e.g., NiCr) is from about 20-30 angstroms (Å) thick; this thickness has been found to unexpectedly provide less red and more neutral coloration for the coated article at certain off-axis viewing angles (e.g., at a 45 degree off-axis viewing angle). In certain example embodiments, the absorbing layer is provided between first and second nitride layers in order to reduce or prevent oxidation thereof during heat treatment thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment. Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, other types of windows, or in any other suitable application. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090311423 | Surface-assisted combustion deposition deposited coatings, and/or methods of making the same - Certain example embodiments relate to surface-assisted combustion deposition deposited coatings (e.g., metal oxide coatings) formed on glass substrates, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a wet-applied (e.g., sol-gel applied) pre-treatment coating increases a number of nucleation sites on or proximate to the at least one surface of the substrate to be coated, and/or increases a number of binding sites or forms a binding medium on the at least one surface of the substrate to be coated. A combustion deposition deposited growth is formed thereon. The pre-treatment coating may facilitate the combustion deposition depositing of coatings. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090304941 | Combustion deposition burner and/or related methods - Certain example embodiments relate to a burner for use in combustion deposition depositing a coating on a substrate. First and second spaced-apart combustion gas manifolds are configured to respectively produce first and second flames (which may effectively combine to form a single flame front beyond the outer face of the burner in certain example embodiments). The first and second combustion gas manifolds form a precursor reaction zone therebetween. An adjustable precursor delivery manifold located between the first and second combustion gas manifolds is configured to receive a precursor used in forming the coating. The precursor delivery manifold is positioned so as to substantially directly provide the precursor to a desired or predetermined portion of the precursor reaction zone. The precursor delivery manifold includes first and second cooled walls arranged to reduce the occurrence of precursor pre-reactions upstream of the precursor reaction zone. The burners of certain example embodiments may be used to combustion deposition deposit metal oxide coatings onto glass substrates. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090295687 | Plasma display panel including TCC EMI filter, and/or method of making the same - A plasma display panel (PDP) includes an EMI filter supported by a glass substrate for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves, with the filter being supported by a side of the substrate opposite a viewer. In certain example embodiments, a black frit and a silver frit comprise a filter frame and are supported by the filter such that the filter is closer to the glass substrate than either or both of the frits. Alternatively, in certain example embodiments, a conductive black frit comprises a filter frame and is supported by the filter such that the filter is closer to the glass substrate than the frit. The filter has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. Advantageously, a transparent conductive coating (TCC) can be coated on a stock, non-cut glass sheet. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090274930 | Alkaline earth fluoride coatings deposited via combustion deposition - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the combustion deposition depositing of alkaline earth fluoride inclusive coatings on substrates from a metal inclusive organic precursor and a fluorinating reagent, or from a single-source precursor. In certain example embodiments, the fluorinating reagent may be an organic source or an inorganic source. In certain example embodiments, the alkaline earth fluoride inclusive coating may be a magnesium fluoride (e.g., MgF | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090263667 | Method of making scratch resistant coated glass article including layer(s) resistant to fluoride-based etchant(s) - A method is provided for making a coated article including an anti-etch layer(s) that is resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s). In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) is formed using at least one ion beam (possibly in combination with at least one sputtering target). In certain embodiments, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) inclusive layer(s) may be provided over and/or under the anti-etch layer. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090263596 | Coated article with IR reflecting layer and method of making same - Example embodiments of this invention relate to a coated article including an infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like, for use in an insulating glass (IG) window unit for example. In certain example embodiments, the coating is a single-silver type coating, and includes an overcoat including an uppermost layer of or including silicon nitride and a layer of or including tin oxide immediately under and contacting the silicon nitride based overcoat. In certain example embodiments, the thicknesses of the silicon nitride based overcoat and the tin oxide based layer are balanced (e.g., substantially equal, or equal plus/minus about 10%). It has surprisingly been found that such balancing results in an improvement in thermal cycling performance and improved mechanical durability. In certain example embodiments, the coating may realize surprisingly good substantially neutral film side reflective coloration, and may achieve an improved visible transmission, SHGC ratio and low U-values. Moreover, in certain example embodiments, stress in the overcoat of the coating may be reduced by reducing nitrogen gas flow (N | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090250416 | Laminated glass rack, and/or method of making and/or shipping laminated glass panels using the same - Certain example embodiments relate to glass racks that are suitable for both autoclaving and shipping. In certain example embodiments, a glass rack may include a metal base having a grooved bottom connected thereto and a metal upright support substantially parallel to the base. The upright support may include a plurality of fingers covered in a protective material (e.g., rubber tubing) that extend therefrom. The spaces between the fingers may correspond with grooves of the grooved bottom, thereby cooperating to accommodate a plurality of panels (e.g., assemblies prior to autoclaving, laminated glass panels formed by autoclaving, etc.). The grooved bottom may be connected to the base so as to allow for expansion and/or contraction of the metal base relative to the grooved bottom. The rack, as a whole, may be capable of withstanding the temperature and pressure conditions of an autoclave, while also providing sufficient protection for the panels during shipping. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090233084 | Nano-particle loaded metal oxide matrix coatings deposited via combustion deposition - Certain example embodiments relate to coatings comprising nano-particle loaded metal oxide matrices deposited via combustion deposition. The matrix and the nano-particles comprising the coating may be of or include the same metal or a different metal. For example, the coating may include a silicon oxide matrix (e.g., SiO | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090217978 | Low iron transmission float glass for solar cell applications and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a high transmission low iron glass, which is highly oxidized and made using the float process, for use in photovoltaic devices such as solar cells or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition used for the glass is made via the float process using an extremely high and positive batch redox in order to reduce % FeO to a low level and permit the glass to consistently realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or T | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090208644 | Organosiloxane inclusive precursors having ring and/or cage-like structures for use in combustion deposition - Certain example embodiments relate to a method of forming a coating on a glass substrate using combustion deposition. A glass substrate having at least one surface to be coated is provided. An organosiloxane inclusive precursor having a ring- or cage-like structure to be combusted is introduced. Using at least one flame, at least a portion of the precursor is combusted to form a combusted material, the combusted material including non-vaporized material. The glass substrate is provided in an area so that the glass substrate is heated sufficiently to allow the combusted material to form the coating, directly or indirectly, on the glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, the precursor is a cyclic siloxane based and/or polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) based precursor, which advantageously may affect the coating's transmission and/or reflection properties compared to conventionally used silicon precursors. For example, a single-layer anti-reflective coating including silicon oxide may increase visible transmission of the uncoated substrate by at least about 2.0%. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090194157 | Front electrode having etched surface for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a photovoltaic (PV) device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode has a textured (e.g., etched) surface that faces the photovoltaic semiconductor film of the PV device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode is formed on a flat or substantially flat (non-textured) surface of a glass substrate (e.g., via sputtering), and the surface of the front electrode is textured (e.g., via etching). In certain example embodiments, a combination of two or more different etchants can be used in order to provide the front electrode with a textured surface having at least two different feature sizes. In completing manufacture of the PV device, the etched surface of the front electrode faces the active semiconductor film of the PV device. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090194155 | Front electrode having etched surface for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a photovoltaic (PV) device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode has a textured (e.g., etched) surface that faces the photovoltaic semiconductor film of the PV device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode is formed on a flat or substantially flat (non-textured) surface of a glass substrate (e.g., via sputtering), and the surface of the front electrode is textured (e.g., via etching). In completing manufacture of the PV device, the etched surface of the front electrode faces the active semiconductor film of the PV device. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090176107 | Method of making a temperable antiglare coating, and resulting products containing the same - A method of making an antiglare coating using a mullite sol, possibly for use in a plasma display device, a photovoltaic device, or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a mullite sol by mixing glycycloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (or other suitable silane) with an aluminum chloride (or other suitable aluminum-containing compound), and one or more of a solvent and water; casting the mixture by spin coating to form a layer on a substrate (e.g., a glass substrate); and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an antiglare coating. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090165550 | Rain sensor for detecting rain or other material on window of a vehicle or on other surface - A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090162668 | Hydrophilic coating and method of making same - Methods of making hydrophilic coatings having anti-fog properties, and hydrophilic articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a layer comprising titanium dioxide and a ether/oleate-based organic compound. After drying or curing, the resulting coating may be hydrophilic thereby allowing water or the like to easily shed therefrom (e.g., providing anti-fog properties). | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090155500 | Vacuum insulating glass unit with large pump-out port, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to VIG units having large pump-out ports, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) unit is provided. First and second spaced-apart glass substrates are provided, and a gap is provided between the spaced-apart substrates. A pump-out port has a size (e.g., diameter) of at least about 30 mm. A cover seals the pump-out port. A getter is in communication with the gap. The pump-out port is sealed using the cover, in making the vacuum insulating glass unit, via a sealing material provided proximate to the cover and/or proximate to the pump-out port. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090155499 | Metal-inclusive edge seal for vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to metal-inclusive edge seal designs for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or methods of making the same. First and second substantially parallel spaced-apart glass substrates, including edge portions thereof, are provided. At least one metal-inclusive edge-sealing strip is located proximate to the edge portions of the first and second substrates, getter being applied to at least a portion of at least some of the edge-sealing strips, and the at least one edge-sealing strip being selected so as to have a coefficient of thermal expansion over a temperature range of interest within about 25% of a coefficient of thermal expansion of the first and second substrates, the temperature range of interest being from about −40° C. to about 50° C. The first and second substrates are sealed together proximate to the edge portions thereof with the at least one edge-sealing strip via an edge-sealing material provided to the at least one edge-sealing strip and/or the first and second glass substrates. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090151855 | Localized heating via an infrared heat source array of edge seals for a vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or unitized oven with infrared heat source array for accomplishing the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers. Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a temperature gradient proximate to the edges of the unit is created, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and/or at least some de-tempering of the substrates. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090151854 | Localized heating of edge seals for a vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or unitized oven for accomplishing the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating (e.g., from one or more substantially linear focused IR heat sources) is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers. Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a temperature gradient proximate to the edges of the unit is created, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and/or at least some de-tempering of the substrates. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090151853 | Evacuation and port sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass units, and/or vacuum oven for accomplishing the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to evacuation and sealing techniques for VIG units, and/or multi-chamber vacuum ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a VIG assembly is inserted into a multi-chamber apparatus to successively reduce the chamber pressure and thus the pressure between substrates comprising the VIG assembly until a final evacuation pressure is reached. Once the final evacuation pressure is reached, a pump-out port or tube of the VIG assembly is sealed forming a VIG unit while the VIG assembly is still in the vacuum chamber. After sealing, chamber pressures are gradually increased to atmospheric while the gap between the substrates of the VIG unit remains at a pressure less than atmospheric which is close to the final evacuation pressure. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090148709 | Method of making glass including surface treatment with aluminum chloride using combustion deposition prior to deposition of antireflective coating - This invention relates to a method of making glass. In certain example embodiments, a major surface(s) of the glass is treated with aluminum chloride (e.g., AlCl | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090142603 | Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or zirconium in coating - In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is very scratch resistant and durable. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090140549 | Grille badge and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a grille badge including an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090133748 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product, and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. A capping layer composition comprising an antifog composition including a siloxane and/or hydrofluororether may be formed, deposited on the coating layer, then cured and/or fired to form a capping layer The capping layer improves the durability of the coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090130349 | Window for preventing bird collisions - This invention relates to a window designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may include an insulating glass (IG) window unit having first and second substrates spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and thus bird deaths can be reduced. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090126791 | Photovoltaic device including front electrode having titanium oxide inclusive layer with high refractive index - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode (e.g., front electrode) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) of the front electrode for use in a photovoltaic device is of or includes titanium oxide doped with one or more of Nb, Zn and/or Al. Additional layers may also be provided in the front electrode in certain example embodiments. It has been found that the use of transparent conductive TiO | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090126476 | Rain sensor with sigma-delta modulation and/or footprinting comparison(s) - A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments of the invention, at least one sensing capacitor is supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitor(s) having a field that is affected by moisture (e.g., rain) on a surface of the window. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitance(s) of the sensing capacitor(s). The analog output of the circuit may be converted to a digital signal via sigma-delta modulation, and subjected to processing (e.g., correlation) for determining whether moisture (e.g., rain, dew, fog, etc.) or the like is present on the surface of the window. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090124480 | Clear glass composition with high visible transmittance - A high transmittance fairly clear/neutral colored glass composition is provided. An oxidizing agent(s) such as cerium oxide (e.g., CeO | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090123654 | Method of making heat treated coated article using diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating and protective film - There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include both (a) an oxygen blocking or barrier layer, and (b) a release layer. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090117273 | Combustion deposition using aqueous precursor solutions to deposit titanium dioxide coatings - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the deposition of coatings onto substrates via combustion deposition. An aqueous precursor solution is used in connection with combustion deposition for the deposition of coatings onto a substrate. In certain example embodiments, the aqueous precursor solution may be an organic salt (e.g., of titanium, such as titanium (IV) bis(ammonium lactate)dihydroxide (aq)), an oxalic acid salts of titanium (e.g., potassium titanyl oxalate (e.g., K | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090115922 | Ruggedized switchable glazing, and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to ruggedized switchable glazings, and/or methods of making the same. The PDLC stack of certain example embodiments includes an outer substrate, a low-E UV blocking coating deposited on an inner surface of the outer substrate, a first PVB or EVA laminate, a first PET layer, a first TCO layer, the PDLC layer, a second TCO layer, a second PET layer, a second PVB or EVA laminate, and an inner substrate. The substrates may be glass substrates. The low-E UV blocking coating may include at least two layers of or including silver and/or may include one or more IR layers. Thus, certain example embodiments may advantageously reduce one or more problems associated with residual haze, color change, flicker, structural changes in the polymer and/or the LC, degradations in state-switching response times, delamination, etc. The PDLC stack of certain example embodiments may be used in connection with any form of coated article, such as, for example, windows, windshields, IG units, etc. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090101209 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product, and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol including a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. A barrier undercoating including a metal oxide, such as, silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, and/or an oxynitride of silica may be deposited between the coating layer and substrate. Preferably, the barrier undercoating does not substantially affect the percent transmission or reflection of the low-index silica coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090101208 | Stiffening members for reflectors used in concentrating solar power apparatus, and method of making same - In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090101203 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product, and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol including or of a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. The coating layer includes a striping-reducing agent to inhibit the appearance of striping in the coating layer. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090084438 | Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and/or one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090075092 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product, and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. A surface treatment composition comprising an organic material comprising an alkyl chain or a fluoro-alkyl chain and at least one reactive functionality comprising silicon and/or phosphorous may be formed, deposited on the coating layer, then cured and/or fired to form an overcoat layer Preferably, the overcoat layer does not substantially affect the percent transmission or reflection of the low-index silica coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090068447 | Coated article with low-E coating having absorbing layer designed for desirable bluish color at off-axis viewing angles - An absorbing layer of a low-E coating is designed to cause the coating to have a more bluish color at normal and/or certain off-axis viewing angles. In certain example embodiments, the metallic or substantially metallic absorbing layer (e.g., NiCr) is located in the middle section of the layer stack and has been found to unexpectedly provide desirable bluish glass side reflective color for the coated article at certain off-axis viewing angles (e.g., at a 45 degree off-axis viewing angle). In certain example embodiments, the absorbing layer is provided between first and second nitride inclusive or based layers in order to reduce or prevent oxidation thereof during heat treatment thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment. Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, other types of windows, or in any other suitable application. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068350 | Method of making coated glass article using a monomeric material, and intermediate product used in same - A temporary protective coating is provided over a coated glass substrate. The temporary protective coating is preferably applied in liquid form then solidified on the substrate. In some instances, the temporary protective coating may be easily removed by simply peeling it off. In certain example embodiments, the temporary protective coating is applied after heat treatment and is removed by peeling it off before the coated substrate is coupled to another substrate to form a window unit such as an IG window unit or a laminated vehicle windshield. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090062103 | Grey glass composition - A grey glass composition employing in its colorant portion at least iron (Fe | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090053645 | Coated glass substrate with ultraviolet blocking characteristics and including a rheological modifier - There is provided a forming a solution by mixing at least a polymeric silane, a solvent, acetone, acetic acid, and a rheological enhancer, wherein the rheological enhancer may comprise an acrylic latex; and agitating the solution. Also provided are methods of using the same in coated articles, and coated articles themselves. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090044897 | Method of making a heat-treated coated glass article using a polymer dispersion - A temporary protective coating is provided over a coated glass substrate. The temporary protective coating is preferably applied in an aqueous dispersion then solidified on the substrate. In some instances, the temporary protective coating may be removed by treatment with a basic solution. In certain example embodiments, the temporary protective coating is applied after heat treatment before the coated substrate is coupled to another substrate to form a window unit such as an IG window unit or a laminated vehicle windshield. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090032098 | Photovoltaic device having multilayer antireflective layer supported by front substrate - In certain embodiments of this invention, an improved multilayer anti-reflection (AR) coating is provided on the exterior surface of the front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device. This AR coating functions to reduce reflection of desirable wavelengths from the front glass substrate, thereby allowing more light within the desirable solar spectrum to pass through the incident glass substrate and reach the photovoltaic semiconductor film so that the photovoltaic device can operate more efficiently. Also, the AR coating can reduce the amount of undesirable light (e.g., at least some IR and/or UV radiation) which reaches the semiconductor film of the device. In certain example embodiments, the multilayer AR coating includes a plurality of pairs of alternating high refractive index and low refractive index layers. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090025777 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming a silica precursor having a radiation curable composition including a radiation curable monomer and/or a photoinitiator, and also including a silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate or silicon wafer) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured via exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. Then, the cured coating layer may be fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C., in forming the low-index silica based coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) in certain example instances. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025776 | Method of making an antireflective silica coating, resulting product, and photovoltaic device comprising same - A low-index silica coating may be made by forming a silica precursor having a radiation curable composition including a radiation curable monomer and/or a photoinitiator, and also including a silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured via exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. Then, the cured coating layer may be fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C., in forming the low-index silica based coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) in certain example instances. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025426 | UV treated grey glass and method of making same - This invention relates to grey glass that is capable of achieving high light transmittance in the visible range in combination with good solar properties (e.g., reduced IR, UV and/or TS transmission), and/or a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the glass is treated with UV (ultraviolet) radiation in order to increase % FeO and/or CeO | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090020157 | Rear electrode structure for use in photovoltaic device such as CIGS/CIS photovoltaic device and method of making same - A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the rear electrode includes a metallic based reflective film that is oxidation graded, so as to be more oxided closer to a rear substrate (e.g., glass substrate) supporting the electrode than at a location further from the rear substrate. In other words, the rear electrode is oxidation graded so as to be less oxided closer to a semiconductor absorber of the photovoltaic device than at a location further from the semiconductor absorber in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear substrate may optionally be textured so that the rear electrode deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode may be of or include Mo and/or MoO | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090004482 | Method of making a stabilized colloidal silica, compositions comprising the same, and coated articles including the same - There is provided a method of making a stabilized colloidal silica solution, the method including forming a solution by mixing a colloidal silica, a solvent, and a stabilizing agent, wherein the stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of siloxane-based stabilizers, polysorbate-based stabilizers, non-ionic surfactant based stabilizers, and acrylic polymer-based flow-enhancing stabilizers; and agitating the solution. There is also provided methods of using the same in coated articles, and coated articles themselves. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080308156 | Textured rear electrode structure for use in photovoltaic device such as CIGS/CIS solar cell - A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode comprises a reflective film (e.g., of Mo or the like) including one or more layers provided on an interior surface of a rear glass substrate of the photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface(s) of the rear glass substrate and/or reflective film is/are textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. The rear glass substrate and textured rear electrode/reflector are used in a photovoltaic device (e.g., CIS or CIGS solar cell) where an active semiconductor film is provided between the rear electrode/reflector and a front electrode(s). | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308151 | Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode acts as not only a transparent conductive front contact/electrode but also a short pass filter that allows an increased amount of photons having high energy (such as in visible and near infra-red regions of the spectrum) into the active region or absorber of the photovoltaic device. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308146 | Front electrode including pyrolytic transparent conductive coating on textured glass substrate for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - A photovoltaic device includes a front electrode on a textured front glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, the glass substrate is textured via roller(s) and/or etching to form a textured surface. Thereafter, a front electrode is formed on the textured surface of the glass substrate via pyrolysis. The front electrode may be of or include a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as tin oxide and/or fluorinated tin oxide in certain example embodiments. In certain example instances, this is advantageous in that efficiency of the photovoltaic device can be improved by increasing light absorption by the active semiconductor via both increasing light intensity passing through the front glass substrate and front electrode, and increasing the light path in the semiconductor photovoltaic conversion layer. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308145 | Front electrode including transparent conductive coating on etched glass substrate for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a front electrode provided on an etched/patterned front glass substrate for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The glass is a low-iron soda-lime-silica based glass. Etching of the glass may include immersing the soda-lime-silica based glass in an acid inclusive solution such as hydrofluoric acid (e.g., HF in aqueous solution) and/or hydrofluoric acid with a buffer, in order to selectively dissolve some of the glass thereby producing at least one textured/patterned substantially transparent surface of the glass substrate. A front electrode (single or multi-layered) is then formed (e.g., via sputter-deposition) on the textured surface of the front glass substrate, and may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080271782 | Method of making a photovoltaic device or front substrate for use in same with scratch-resistant coating and resulting product - A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing siloxane(s) with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and siloxane containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080234895 | Time, space, and/or wavelength multiplexed capacitive light sensor, and related methods - In certain example embodiments, techniques for operating vehicle lights are provided. A capacitive light sensor is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over at least one wavelength, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor. A buffer is filled with data from the at least one output channel, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency. An edge change is detected in the data in the buffer. An on/off state of the vehicle lights is maintained when an edge change is not detected. When an edge change is detected, when the data passes from a high value to a low value through a first predefined threshhold and remains lower than the first predefined threshold for a persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned on, and when the data passes from a low value to a high value through a second predefined threshold and remains higher than the second predefined threshold value for the persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned off. The second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor. The capacitive light sensing approaches of certain example embodiments may be time, space, and/or wavelength multiplexed. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080226926 | Scratch resistant coated glass article including layer(s) resistant to fluoride-based etchant(s), and method of making article using combustion CVD - A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s), and an underlayer(s) deposited by flame pyrolysis may be provided under at least the anti-etch layer(s). | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080226925 | Low-E coated articles and methods of making same - In certain example embodiments, low-E coated articles may be designed so as to realize a combination of good visible transmission (T | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080225395 | Light sensor embedded on printed circuit board - A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). Such techniques may be used in connection with a light sensor. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength. An adhesive bonds the light sensor to the PCB. A hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer. A state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor. The PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080223436 | Back reflector for use in photovoltaic device - This invention relates to a photovoltaic device including a back reflector. In certain example embodiments, the back reflector includes a metallic based reflective layer provided on an interior surface of a rear glass substrate of the photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear glass substrate is textured so that the reflector layer deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable reflective characteristics. The rear glass substrate and reflector thereon are laminated to the interior surface of a front glass substrate of the photovoltaic device, with an active semiconductor film and electrode(s) therebetween, in certain example embodiments. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080223430 | Buffer layer for front electrode structure in photovoltaic device or the like - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode structure (e.g., front electrode structure) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a buffer layer (e.g., of or including tin oxide) is provided between the front electrode and the semiconductor absorber film in a photovoltaic device. The buffer layer may be deposited via sputtering, and may or may not be doped in certain example instances. In an example context of use in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic devices, the buffer layer is advantageous in that it (one or more of): (a) provides a good work-function match to a possible CdS/CdTe film and the front electrode; (b) provides good durability in that it is better able to withstand attacks of sulfur vapors at elevated temperatures during possible CdS/CdTe processing; (c) may be at least partially conductive; and/or (d) provides good mechanical durability. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080222827 | Rain sensor embedded on printed circuit board - A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field and/or pattern. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of one or more of the sensing capacitors. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) mountable in or on a vehicle window is provided. First and second sensing circuits are formed on opposing sides of the flexible PCB, with each said sensing circuit comprising a plurality of different fractal structures. A ground plane is located between the first and second sensing circuits, with the ground plane being arranged so as to decouple the first and second capacitor arrays and to shield the first capacitor array from fields emanating from the second capacitor array and vice versa. The electronic device is configured to detect moisture on an exterior surface of the vehicle window, humidity on an interior surface of the vehicle window, and EMI. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080220160 | Coated article with IR reflecting layer(s) and method of making same - A coated article is provided with at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer. The IR reflecting layer may be of silver or the like. In certain example embodiments, a titanium oxide layer is provided over the IR reflecting layer, and it has been found that this surprisingly results in an IR reflecting layer with a lower specific resistivity (SR) thereby permitting thermal properties of the coated article to be improved. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220152 | Method of making a photovoltaic device with scratch-resistant coating and resulting product - A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a metal oxide sol by mixing silane(s) with a metal oxide, a second catalyst, and a third solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing the metal oxide sol with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and metal oxide containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080210303 | Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same - This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. At least one of the surfaces of the front glass substrate may be textured in certain example embodiments of this invention. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080203079 | Vehicle window with de-icing feature and method - A window such as a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) has a de-icing feature. In certain example embodiments, a conductive structure is provided on an interior surface of a substrate of the window, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window. | 08-28-2008 |
