Guardian Industries Corporation

Guardian Glass, LLC

Jason E Theios

Vijayen S Veerasamy

Jason J Blush

John M Mitchell

Timothy Hodapp

John Matuszewski

Lindsay Horn

Certain example embodiments relate to a motor-driven dynamic shade provided in an insulating glass (IG) unit, and/or associated methods. A spacer system helps maintain first and second substrates in substantially parallel spaced apart relation to one another and defines a gap therebetween. A shade and a motor are provided in the gap. The motor, provided close to a first peripheral edge of the IG unit, is dynamically controllable to cause the shade to extend towards a second peripheral edge of the IG unit opposite the first peripheral edge and to cause the shade to retract from the second peripheral edge towards the first peripheral edge. The shade may be electrostatically couplable to one of the first and second substrates when the shade is extended via complementary electrostatic connection areas provided to the shade and the one of the first and second substrates.

Motorized dynamic shade with electrostatic holding, and/or associated methods

A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers provided between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrate. Certain example embodiments relate to a VIG window unit including spacers (e.g., pillars) of or including a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., Zr and/or Cu based amorphous alloy). Such metal alloy spacers advantageously reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and can increase the center of glass R-value of the VIG window unit.

Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit with metal alloy spacers, and/or methods of making the same

A window is designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may be an insulating glass (IG) window unit, or alternatively a monolithic window. In IG window unit embodiments, the IG window unit includes first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates) spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports both a patterned ultraviolet (UV) absorbing coating for absorbing UV radiation, and a UV reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation, so that a more contrasting UV image is emitted/seen and birds are capable of more easily seeing the window and avoiding collisions therewith. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions therewith and bird deaths can be reduced.

Window for reducing bird collisions

Windows for attenuating radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) electromagnetic signals, so as to prevent or reduce such signals from emanating from secure facilities (e.g., government and/or military facilities). Example embodiments relate to a window including at least first and second glass substrates, at least first and second low-emissivity (low-E) coatings for blocking at least some IR and RF signals, and at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) inclusive coating for blocking at least some RF signals. The TCO inclusive coating may include a layer of or including indium-tin-oxide (ITO) located between at least first and second dielectric layers.

Window for attenuating RF and IR electromagnetic signals

Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having two-colored laser-fused frits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a first pattern is formed or written on a glass sheet by laser fusing a first frit material to the glass sheet. A second pattern is formed by laser fusing a second frit material disposed on the first frit material. An optional thin film coating is supported by the glass sheet. The glass sheet with the first and second patterns and optional coating is cut prior to heat treatment. A YAG or other type of laser may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit materials, at the same or different times, and the frit materials may be wet-applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. or preferably even lower.

Substrates or assemblies having two-color laser-fused frits, and/or method of making the same

In certain example embodiments of this invention, a window unit may include a vacuum IG (VIG) unit as an inboard lite and a monolithic lite (e.g., with an optional low-E coating thereon) as an outboard lite. A dead air space may separate the inboard and outboard lites. A highly insulated frame may be used to support the inner and outer lites. The VIG unit may be partially embedded or supported in the insulative frame, so that the insulating frame separates the VIG unit inboard lite from the outboard lite thereby reducing conductivity around the edges of the window unit so that R-value can be increased (and U-value decreased). In certain example embodiments, the total R-value of the window unit is at least about R-8, and more preferably at least about R-10 (compared to the much lower R-values of conventional IG units).

Growing community of inventors

Toledo, OH, United States of America

Jason E Theios