Guardian Glass, LLC

A method and apparatus for low temperature laser sealing of bonded articles is disclosed. Hermetic sealing of glass substrates using low temperature sealing techniques that do not adversely affect bulk strength of glass substrates, the environment created between the substrates and/or any components housed within the sealed glass substrates is disclosed. Such low temperature sealing techniques include use of localized laser heating of sealing materials to form a hermetic seal between glass substrates that does not involve heating the entire article to be sealed.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for laser ablating/scribing peripheral edges of a coating (e.g., a low-emissivity, mirror, or other coating) on a glass or other substrate in a pre- or post-laminated assembly, pre- or post-assembled insulated glass unit, and/or other product, in order to slow or prevent corrosion of the coating. For example, a 1064 nm or other wavelength laser may be used to scribe lines into the metal and/or metallic layer(s) in a low-emissivity or other coating provided in an already-laminated or already-assembled insulated glass unit or other product, e.g., around its periphery. The scribe lines decrease electron mobility from the center of the coating to the environment and, thus, slow and sometimes even prevent the onset of electrochemical corrosion. Associated products, methods, and kits relating to same also are contemplated herein.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

Certain example embodiments relate to circuitry for controlling dynamic shades and/or associated methods. An insulating glass (IG) unit includes a spacer system helping to maintain first and second substrates in substantially parallel spaced apart relation to one another and to define a gap therebetween. The shade is interposed between the first and second substrates. It includes a first conductive layer provided on the interior major surface of the first substrate; and a shutter including at least one polymer substrate, first and second conductive coatings, and first and second dielectric layers. The at least one polymer substrate is extendible to a shutter closed position and retractable to a shutter open position. A control circuit includes a boosting transformer (e.g., a flyback transformer) coupled to a power source and the shade, with the boosting transformer being controllable to produce a voltage for charging the shade and to discharge accumulated shade capacitance.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and layers on opposing surfaces thereof. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position.

A detection system has an interface including a substrate supporting a conductive coating. Electrodes are provided to the substrate. A multiplexer provides current to the electrodes. A demultiplexer receives voltages from electrodes and provides corresponding signals to a controller. The controller receives these signals and determines therefrom an operation performed in connection with the interface by applying an algorithmic approach. Static interaction is recognizable, and machine learning can be used for gesture recognition and/or identification of other interaction types. The technology can be used in a broad array of applications, e.g., where it is desirable to sense interactions with a defined region such as, for example, in the case of touches, gestures, hovers, and/or the like.