West Olive, MI, United States of America

Harlan J Byker

This inventor holds 58 USPTO granted patents and 8 published patent applications, plus 1 CIPO patent and 2 EPO patents, primarily in Thermochromic Technology (CPC class 3592). Top assignees: Gentex Corporation, Pleotint, L.l.c.. Active years: 1990-2020.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Harlan J Byker. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/harlan-j-byker

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 58 

% Patents Active = 87.9


 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.3

ph-index = 31

Forward Citations = 6,631(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 6,441(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Zeeland, MI (US) (1994)
  • Holland, MI (US) (1990 - 2003)
  • West Olive, MI (US) (2009 - 2020)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1990-2020

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Areas of Expertise:
Thermochromic Layers
Electrochromic Devices
Moisture-Sensitive Structures
Ligand Exchange Systems
Multi-Layer Structures
Variable Transmittance
Electro-Optic Windows
Anti-Yellowing
Near Infrared Compounds
Electrochromic Media
Color Neutral Layers
Solar Control Interlayers
58 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: The Innovative Journey of Harlan J Byker

Introduction

Harlan J Byker, based in West Olive, MI, has made significant contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. With an impressive portfolio of 58 patents, Byker's work primarily focuses on developing advanced solar control interlayers that benefit various applications in the automotive and architectural industries.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations are two notable patents involving absorbing solar control interlayers. The first patent describes a laminate featuring a near infrared (NIR) absorbing interlayer. This interlayer contains a NIR-absorbing substance, which is either dispersed or dissolved in a polymer matrix, and it may additionally feature a thermochromic material or system. This interlayer is designed to be bonded between two sheets of plastic or glass, which could further be enhanced as bent or strengthened glass.

The second patent introduces a thermochromic, NIR-absorbing interlayer that boasts remarkable performance metrics. It provides an internal visible light transmission exceeding 50% and an internal solar energy transmission below 55% at a temperature of 15°C. In contrast, at 75°C, the interlayer achieves an internal visible light transmission below 20% and an internal solar energy transmission below 20%, all while maintaining an internal haze below 3.5%.

Career Highlights

Byker's career is marked by his association with renowned companies, particularly Gentex Corporation and Pleotint, LLC, where he played a pivotal role in developing innovative materials. His extensive experience has allowed him to contribute significantly to advancements in transparent and energy-efficient technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Harlan J Byker has collaborated with talented professionals such as Derick D Winkle and William L Tonar. These partnerships have fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovative approaches, further enhancing the quality and impact of their collective work in materials research.

Conclusion

Harlan J Byker’s commitment to innovation is evident through his numerous patents and collaborative projects. His groundbreaking research in solar control interlayers showcases not only his expertise but also the potential for continued advancements in materials science that can lead to more energy-efficient solutions in everyday applications. As the demand for innovative technologies grows, Byker's contributions will certainly pave the way for future developments in this vital field.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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