Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
349016000 | Liquid crystal window | 45 |
20080278642 | Light-Control Elements and Materials - The disclosure relates to a light-control element including a transparent surface layer oriented in an uniaxial direction, a center layer comprising a skeletal member and a plurality of cavities arranged at intervals and oriented parallel to the uniaxial direction of the surface layer, and a base layer. In some embodiments, the light-control element includes a liquid crystal material at least partially filling the cavities. In certain preferred embodiments, each of the surface layer and the base layer include one or more electrodes adapted for application of an electrical potential to the liquid crystal material. The disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing and using light control window glazings including light-control elements containing liquid crystal materials for efficient thermal management of interior spaces of vehicles and buildings. | 11-13-2008 |
20080316381 | Light-adjusting film - The present invention is related to a light-adjusting film including a light-adjusting film consisted of an anti-dirty layer, a curing layer, two polymer complex layers, a light-adjusting liquid crystal layer, and an attaching layer, wherein the anti-dirty layer provides an dirty-proof function, the curing layer is assembled under the anti-dirty layer, the first polymer complex layer is assembled under the curing layer, the light-adjusting liquid crystal layer is assembled under the first polymer complex layer and connected with a power source, the second polymer complex layer is assembled under the light-adjusting liquid crystal layer, and the attaching layer is assembled under the second polymer complex layer for attaching to a surface of an object. According to the structure above, the present invention is advantageous of easy installation, maintaining and renovation, UV-resisting, heat insulation, great light perviousness, uneasily being damaged and power saving. | 12-25-2008 |
20090015740 | WINDOW DARKENING SYSTEM - A window darkening system that includes glass panels. Glass panels can be provided in the form of at least one side window, a windshield, and rear window. Glass panels include electrically activated liquid crystals embedded therein. A control module includes access to a power source, and a user interface provided to manipulate liquid crystals embedded within the glass panels. The liquid crystals are sandwiched between a pair of electrodes which are electrically connected to the power source via the control panel via at least one switch means. The crystals become activated and darken the windowpane when they are electrically connected to a power source via activation their activation at user interface. | 01-15-2009 |
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 |
20090135319 | 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. | 05-28-2009 |
20090201436 | Display and Control Concealment Method and Apparatus - The present invention is a novel masking device to change the appearance of a control or display system in a manner which adds to its aesthetic appearance. Electrically activated or switchable films are incorporated into the control or display allowing the outward appearance to be altered between at least two visual conditions. The area may change in color, pattern, transparency or reflectivity. Such a masking apparatus can be employed where a display or control system is desired to be concealed, camouflaged or altered in its appearance. | 08-13-2009 |
20090279004 | GLAZING - A laminated glazing comprises two plies of glass having an interlayer structure laminated therebetween. The interlayer structure comprises a first sheet of an interlayer material framing a liquid crystal film incorporated therein. Preferably, the interlayer material does not contain plasticizers, or contains a plasticizer which does not diffuse into the liquid crystal film structure. In addition, the interlayer material preferably resists the migration of mobile liquid crystal film components. | 11-12-2009 |
20090284670 | WINDOWS WITH ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE TRANSMISSION AND REFLECTION - A window having electrically controllable transmission and reflection includes a layer of liquid crystal material and polarizers on either side thereof. Different combinations of absorptive and reflective polarizers are disclosed. These different combinations can be used in different applications to achieve the desired results. Transparent, conductive layers are provided to apply an electrical field to the liquid crystal material so as to selectively control the rotation of the polarization of light passing therethrough. | 11-19-2009 |
20090290078 | BISTABLE SWITCHABLE LIQUID CRYSTAL WINDOW - A bistable switchable liquid crystal device is provided in which the device can be switched between a transparent and an opaque state by a predetermined voltage pulse. The device is based on polymer stabilized cholesteric materials. No additional amount of voltage has to be applied to the device in order to sustain the optical states. Therefore, the device is energy-saving. | 11-26-2009 |
20090303402 | Electronic blind and method for manufacturing electronic blind - The embodiment discloses an electronic blind and method for manufacturing electronic blind, for the whole or partial area light control management. An electronic blind that comprises a pair of substrates, polymer/liquid crystal composite material sandwiched between the pair of substrates, and a pair of electrodes formed on an opposing surface of the pair of substrates, one electrode of the pair of electrodes being patterned over one substrate in line form at intervals from one side to the other side of the substrate, other electrode of the pair of electrodes being formed over whole the surface of another substrate. | 12-10-2009 |
20100066928 | System for selectively revealing indicia - A system for selectively revealing indicia to an observer comprises a transitioning window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. The receiving surface is positioned in optical communication with an indicia holder that is configured to removably retain indicia, such as information content. During operation, the transitioning window transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state so as to reveal or otherwise display the indicia to an observer via the viewing surface. | 03-18-2010 |
20100195007 | OPTICAL SYSTEM - The present optical system comprises a forward observation optical system, an entire lateral circumference-observation optical system, a variable stop arranged on the image side of the observation optical system, an image-forming optical system, and an image pickup element, and the variable stop is formed so as to be capable of switching an observation field of view at least to a first observation field of view including only a forward field of view and to a second observation field of view including a forward field of view with a narrower angle than that of the first observation field of view and a field of view of the entire lateral circumference. The observation optical system is arranged on the object side of the opening in the central position of the observation optical system. The variable stop intercepts an optical path for the observation optical system when an observation field of view is switched to the first observation field of view, and opens the optical path for the observation optical system when an observation field of view is switched to the second observation field of view. | 08-05-2010 |
20110096253 | THERMAL TUNING GLAZING STRUCTURES COMPRISING A CHOLESTERIC LIQUID CRYSTAL - Disclosed are thermal tuning glazing structures for selectively reflecting electromagnetic radiation for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in various applications such as intelligent energy saving windows. The thermal tuning glazing structure comprises one or more cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) panels, each CLC panel comprising a CLC material, the CLC material being in a planar texture at least at one temperature, having a pitch that changes with temperature, and having a broad reflection band. | 04-28-2011 |
20110194040 | AUTO LIGHT-SHADING SYSTEM - An auto light-shading system is disclosed, which includes a photovoltaic module for providing an electric power, a liquid crystal panel connected to and driven by the photovoltaic module, and a UV filter applied on the liquid crystal panel. A light transmittance of the light-shading device is determined by an output power of the electric power of the photovoltaic module. | 08-11-2011 |
20110216254 | Thermally Switched Optical Downconverting Filter - A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter is energy-efficient as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter has unique aesthetic and optical properties not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls. | 09-08-2011 |
20110261276 | Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) System and Method - A liquid crystal display (LCD) system is provided. The LCD system includes a light source and a self-contained display unit including at least a LCD panel and a light guide plate coupled together, wherein the light guide plate is configured to guide light from the light source to the LCD panel as backlight and to structurally support the LCD panel. Further, a plurality of pre-made hollow spaces are contained in the display unit configured to host components of the LCD system. The LCD system also includes a controller contained in the plurality of pre-made hollow spaces and coupled to the LCD panel to control the LCD panel such that the light passing through the light guide plate is used as backlight for operation of the LCD panel. | 10-27-2011 |
20120002125 | PROCESS OF PRODUCING LIGHT-REFLECTIVE FILM AND LIGHT-REFLECTIVE FILM - A process for producing a light-reflective film is disclosed. The process comprises (a) applying a curable liquid crystal composition to a first film having a thickness of d | 01-05-2012 |
20120327318 | HEAT INSULATING MEMBER, HEAT INSULATING LAMINATED GLASS, AND HEAT INSULATING LAMINATED GLASS ARTICLE - A heat insulating member including at least one cholesteric resin layer having cholesteric regularity controlled such that, in a wavelength range of 800 nm to 2,500 nm, the cholesteric resin layer has a band of reflecting 40% or more of incident light with a wavelength width equal to or wider than 300 nm; and a binder layer containing a pigment, the heat insulating member having a yellow index of 2.0 or lower. | 12-27-2012 |
20130093969 | SMART PHOTOCHROMIC CHIRAL NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL WINDOW - A multi-functional photochromic chiral nematic liquid crystal window comprises at least a photochromic chiral nematic liquid crystal layer. The windows are able to not only to darken in color upon exposure to sunlight irradiation but also control the light and the heat passing through them, which can be used as the windows of buildings, vehicles, and the like. | 04-18-2013 |
20130188105 | DIMMER AND SWITCH SUITABLE FOR DRIVING A CAPACITIVE OR COMPLEX CAPACITIVE-RESISTIVE LOAD SUCH AS LIQUID CRYSTAL FILM - A transparency adjustment system comprising a transparent physical element whose electrical behavior is that of a capacitive load; and a power dimmer apparatus operative to provide AC current to the transparent physical element to generate a set of transparency states including a plurality of transparency states other than full transparency. Included in the scope of the invention is a system which changes the state of a load such as LC film from transparent to translucent in a single step rather than gradually. | 07-25-2013 |
20140092332 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING REFRACTION IN WINDSHIELD BASED ON DRIVER OCULAR PRESCRIPTION - Technique for implementing a liquid crystal layer installed in a transmissive object installed in a vehicle. More specifically, a control system is configured to activate a liquid crystal layer that has been installed a vehicle. The control system then determines an ocular prescription strength of a driver, and sets a refractive index of one or more liquid crystal layers disposed within the liquid crystal layer to adjust a refractive index of the windshield to correlate with the determined ocular prescription strength. | 04-03-2014 |
20140176836 | SWITCHABLE WINDOW HAVING LOW EMISSIVITY (LOW-E) COATING AS CONDUCTIVE LAYER AND/OR METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions. | 06-26-2014 |
20140192286 | CHOLESTERIC LIQUID CRYSTAL MIXTURE, FILM, SELECTIVE REFLECTIVE PLATE, LAMINATE, LAMINATED GLASS - A cholesteric liquid-crystal mixture containing a compound represented by the general formula (Ia), a compound represented by the general formula (Ib), a fluorine-containing horizontal alignment agent and a polymerization initiator is capable of forming a film which is prevented from precipitation of liquid-crystal compounds therein, of which the haze is reduced and which has a broad reflection width. | 07-10-2014 |
20140204294 | SUN CONTROL WINDOW FILM WITH LIGHT CONTROL FUNCTION - The present utility model relates to a sun control window film with light control function, comprising: an anti-dirty layer; a curing layer arranged under the anti-dirty layer; a sun control function layer arranged under the curing layer; a first ITO PET layer, wherein a top surface of the first ITO PET layer is attached to the sun control function layer by laminate adhesive; a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, wherein a bottom surface of the first ITO PET layer is attached to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer by laminate adhesive; a second ITO PET layer, wherein a top surface of the second ITO PET layer is attached to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer by laminate adhesive; and a lower surface polyester protective release layer, wherein a bottom surface of the second ITO PET layer is attached to the lower surface polyester protective release layer by contact adhesive. | 07-24-2014 |
20140240627 | ANTI-PEEPING PRIVACY DEVICE - An anti-peeping privacy device is provided, including a polarizing element, a liquid crystal member and a diffusing element. The liquid crystal member is disposed on the polarizing element. The diffusing element is disposed on the liquid crystal member, comprising a transparent layer and a liquid crystal layer. The transparent layer having a refractive index and adjacent to the liquid crystal member includes a plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructures on the top side thereof, wherein the plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructure is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the polarized light. The liquid crystal layer disposed on the concave-convex stripe microstructures of the transparent resin layer. | 08-28-2014 |
20140247408 | MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRICAL WINDOW AND METHODS THEREOF - These teachings disclose a multi-purpose electric window that comprises a printed transparent sheet and a reflective layer laminated onto an electric light-switching device and a power source. The electric light-switching device is made of electrically actuated polymer dispersed liquid crystal or suspended polarized particles laminated between two transparent electrodes. There are surface lens structures at one side or both sides of the transparent sheet. Images are printed unto the surface lens structures. The lens structures are selected from prism, half spherical, half cylindrical, pyramidal, Fresnel structure or a combination of the above. The transparent sheet is laminated on the side with reflective layer or the other side of the electric light-switching device without reflective layer. Light emitting diodes can be placed at the sides or under the transparent sheet. | 09-04-2014 |
20140320776 | ADAPTIVE LIQUID CRYSTAL STRUCTURAL INTERFACE - A structural interface having an adaptive liquid crystal material that is positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation and adapted to reflect a selective band of the received electromagnetic radiation so as to help with cooling of a structure in the summer and/or heating of the structure in the winter. The adaptive liquid crystal material is designed to change its selective reflection band when exposed to an activating temperature or an activating light or both. Depending on the interior and/or exterior conditions, the adaptive liquid crystal material has one or more selective reflection bands with a peak wavelength selected from the following: within a sunlight wavelength span, outside a thermal infrared wavelength span, outside the sunlight wavelength span, or within the thermal infrared wavelength span. The structural interface may be applied to an exterior or interior surface of a structural envelop or be integrated into a structural envelope material. | 10-30-2014 |
20140375915 | MULTIPLE GLAZING WITH VARIABLE DIFFUSION BY LIQUID CRYSTALS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals can have first and second flat float glass sheets held on the edge of their internal faces by a joint made of a given joint material. In some examples, the glazing also includes first and second electrodes and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 5 and 15 μm. The thickness of each of the first and second glass sheets may be less than or equal to 6.5 mm and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes may have a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidioptres, of less than or equal to 2+2E/3, where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in μm. | 12-25-2014 |
20150055035 | Apparatus and Method for Dynamically Controlling Light Transmission - An apparatus for controlling light transmission from an optical input to an optical output can function as a tunable iris or eclipse, or as a privacy window. The iris/eclipse can use a liquid crystal matrix with a dispersion of dichroic particles that absorb light in one orientation and transmit light in another, such that controlling the liquid crystal with an electric field allows control of the dichroic particles. Alternatively, a layer may be used with a light absorbing liquid or powder material that moves with a charged material in response to a variable electric field applied to the layer. Privacy windows use a plurality of liquid crystal microlenses that can be controlled with an electric field to allow an image of an optical input to be obtainable at an optical output when in a first state, or to render the image irretrievable when in a second state. | 02-26-2015 |
20150103280 | INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC SUNBLIND - An intelligent electronic sunblind includes an integral glass plate and a liquid crystal film attached on the glass plate. The liquid crystal film is formed with several display regions, and the liquid crystal film of the display region is cut into strips or is primarily formed with a strips shape, with the display regions abutting each other. A controller is installed between the display regions and a power source and connected with an input unit that functions to transmit signals and produce power control to the controller. The controller controls the liquid crystal film of the display regions to be electrically connected or electrically disconnected to make the liquid crystal film respectively become transparent or opaque for attaining an effect of simulating different states of partially shading light of a conventional window curtain. | 04-16-2015 |
20150354789 | SPECTRALLY CONTROLLABLE LIGHT VALVE - A system may include: a light valve exposed to incident light from an external light source. The light valve may independently modulate multiple wavelength bands of the incident light that are transmitted through the light valve and into an environment that the system illuminates. A control system can operate the light valve to control a spectral distribution of light transmitted through the light valve. | 12-10-2015 |
20160033807 | DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE PASSAGE OF ENERGY - The present application relates to a device for regulating the passage of light through a light-transmitting area which comprises a switching layer comprising a liquid-crystalline medium comprising at least one dichroic dye, where the parameters degree of light transmission and degree of anisotropy of the device are selected in a certain manner. | 02-04-2016 |
20160052446 | VEHICLE SUNROOF WITH SWITCHABLE GLAZING AND SIDE-FIRING LIGHT EMITTING DIODES AND/OR METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough. | 02-25-2016 |
20160085108 | DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE PASSAGE OF ENERGY - The present application relates to a device for regulating the passage of energy which is characterised in that it comprises at least two switching layers S(1) and S(2) arranged one behind the other, where the switching layers comprise a liquid-crystalline medium comprising at least one dichroic compound. | 03-24-2016 |
20160097236 | PHOTOREACTIVE SMART WINDOW - Provided is a photoreactive smart window. The photoreactive smart window includes a liquid crystal layer of which light transmittance changes according to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light and which is combined with a solar cell. The photoreactive smart window is in a transparent condition in the daytime when UV light is generated from the sun, and accordingly sunlight passing therethrough is converted into electric energy. Also, the photoreactive smart window is in an opaque condition in the evening and at night when no UV light is generated from the sun, and accordingly no curtains are necessary on the windows. | 04-07-2016 |
20160115389 | LIQUID CRYSTAL CELL - Provided are a liquid crystal cell and a use thereof. An exemplary liquid crystal cell can be implemented in a bistable mode switching between a haze mode and a non-haze mode even with low driving voltage. Such a liquid crystal cell can be applied to various optical modulation apparatus, such as a smart window, a window protection film, a flexible display element, an active retarder for a 3D visual display, and a viewing angle-controlling film. | 04-28-2016 |
20160138328 | MULTILAYER FILM WITH ELECTRICALLY SWITCHABLE OPTICAL PROPERTIES - Multilayer film ( | 05-19-2016 |
20160147100 | OPTICAL DEVICE WITH POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - The invention pertains to an optical device comprising at least one glass or polymer area, whereby an active matrix is located in contact with the at least one glass or polymer area, the optical device comprises a power supply system located between a first auxiliary plane and a second auxiliary-plane parallel to a glass or polymer area, and a distance L from a third auxiliary-plane or a fourth auxiliary-plane approximately perpendicular to the glass or polymer area. The invention pertains also to a power supply system for such an optical device. | 05-26-2016 |
20160160557 | SMART WINDOW USING AEROGEL - A smart window includes a pair of transparent electrodes spaced apart to face each other. Porous aerogel is interposed between the pair of transparent electrodes. Liquid crystal is interposed between the pair of transparent electrodes and filliping pores of the aerogel. The smart window scatters more light because an interface between the aerogel and liquid crystal is maximized by filling pores of the aerogel with the liquid crystal. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161779 | Fitting For A Glass Element - The invention relates to a fitting ( | 06-09-2016 |
20160161780 | FAIL SAFE MECHANISM FOR SWITCHABLE WINDOW - An optical device, having an active matrix, containing polymer dispersed liquid crystals, guest-host liquid crystals, suspended particles and/or polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals, the active high transmissive mode has at least 40% of incoming light transmitted through the optical device and in low transmissive mode less than 40% of incoming light transmitted through the optical device, the active matrix is switchable between high transmissive mode and low transmissive mode. The optical device containing a fail-safe mechanism, which is capable to switch the active matrix from a low transmissive mode in a high transmissive mode without the power of an applied grid. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161787 | SMART WINDOW USING GLASS BEADS AND LIQUID CRYSTAL, AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREFOR - A smart window, and production method therefor, uses glass beads made from glass material instead of a polymer matrix of the conventional smart window. This makes the liquid crystal's size, shape and arrangement constant by placing the liquid crystal outside the glass beads, thereby securing high stability and chemical resistance, avoiding haze, having low operating voltage, and having improved optical, for example, broad variable range of light transmittance between OFF (light impermeable) and ON (light permeable) states. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161822 | SMART GLASS USING GUIDED SELF-ASSEMBLED PHOTONIC CRYSTAL - A smart glass uses a guided self-assembled photonic crystal, including a photonic crystal layer that is interposed between a pair of conductive glass plates. The smart glass includes a first material and a second material having a different refractive index from the first material and surrounding the first material. Thereby, the smart glass has a color, even when a dye is not included, by strongly reflecting light in a specific wavelength range incident to the photonic crystal layer. This is because the first material is formed regularly to have a constant distance by guided self-assembly, and the smart glass thereby may obtain a target color by randomly adjusting the distance between the first materials. | 06-09-2016 |
20160252770 | VARIABLE REFLECTANCE MIRROR SYSTEM | 09-01-2016 |
20160377902 | LIGHT MODULATION DEVICE - Provided are a light modulation device and a use thereof. The light modulation device may apply an external signal by a composite layer having a high transmittance in a visible region, a low transmittance in an infrared region and a low sheet resistance. Such a light modulation device may be applied in various uses such as a smart window, a window protecting film, a flexible display element, an active retarder for displaying a 3D image or a viewing angle control film. | 12-29-2016 |