Electronically shaded thin film transparent monochromatic liquid crystal display laminated window shading system

• US 7,356,969 B1
• Filed: 05/06/2003
• Issued: 04/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Electronically Shaded Glass, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Electronically Shaded Glass, Inc.
• Inventors: Schadeck, Matthew A., Yurth, David G.
• Primary Examiner(s): WUJCIAK, ALFRED J
• Application Number:
  US10/430,877
• Time in Patent Office: 1,806 Days
• Field of Search: 521/713, 522/045, 359/614, 359/601, 359/591, 359/609, 359/228, 49/61, 49/63, 491/25
• US Class Current: 52/171.3
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2464 featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/24 Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blindsoperating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures E06B9/56; free-hanging flexible screens A47H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13725 based on guest-host interaction G02F1/13762, G02F1/13737, take precedence

Abstract

An electronically shaded glass window system is described that provides a progressively darkening window, based on either user input or detection of ambient light. This invention is appropriate for use in commercial buildings, residential buildings, public areas and vehicles. It enhances energy efficiency by blocking bright light thereby reducing heat. It includes a user interface, which permits a user to create opaque or alternatively transparent walls or windows as the need arises.

Claims

1. An electronic shadable window system for building comprising:

a first transparent panel, having a first side and a second side;

a first electrically conductive layer attached to the second side of the first transparent panel;

a second transparent panel, having a first side and a second side;

a second electrically conductive layer attached to the second side of the second transparent panel;

a liquid-crystal display (LCD) material held between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the LCD material is a dyed LCD material; and

an electrical signal source in electronic communication with the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer, and wherein the dyed LCD material exhibits a greater transparency when no voltage is applied from the electrical signal source, than when a voltage is applied.

2. The system of claim 1, further including a controller in electronic communication with the LCD material.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously modulate a polarization and transmissivity of light that passes through the first and second transparent panels.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to provide a phase-controlled, frequency modulated current.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to modulate voltage, amperage, frequency, phasing, and wave-form of a single signal to simultaneously control a polarization and transmissivity of light that passes through the first and second transparent panels.

6. The system of claim 1, further including a controller in electronic communication with the LCD material, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously modulate a polarization and transmissivity of light that passes through the first and second transparent panels, and wherein the controller is configured to provide a phase-controlled, frequency modulated current.