A vehicle or other system may have windows. The windows may be formed by laminating together molded sheets of polished float glass. Sheets of float glass may be polished on one side, leaving an opposing side unpolished. Following polishing, the sheets may be placed in a molding tool. The molding tool may mold the polished sheets into a desired shape such as a shape characterized by curved surfaces. The curved surfaces may include surfaces of compound curvature. Lamination equipment may use polymer to laminate first and second molded sheets of polished glass together with their polished sides facing outwardly away from each other. Light modulators and/or other electrically adjustable layers may be incorporated into the windows.

An electro-optic window includes a first substrate; an electro-optic element generally parallel to the first substrate, the electro-optic element including: a second substrate; a third substrate generally parallel to the second substrate; a sealing member disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of one of the second and third substrates and extending therebetween; and a cavity defined between the second and third substrates. The sealing member defines the sidewalls of the cavity. A first layer of film having a perimeter portion and a central portion is disposed between at least a portion of the first and second substrates, and may be coextensive with the sealing member.

A method for electrically controlling at least one functional element having electrically controllable optical properties, wherein the optical properties are controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit is connected to at least two transparent flat electrodes of the functional element, and an electrical voltage is applied between the flat electrodes by the control unit, wherein the electrical voltage has a periodic signal profile with a first, variably adjustable frequency and the glazing unit is surrounded by light beams of a second frequency, and wherein the light beams are sensed by a sensor unit and the first frequency is changed as a function of the second frequency, wherein the first frequency is synchronized with the second frequency.

A method for producing a composite pane, includes arranging a functional element in a recess of a thermoplastic frame film, arranging the thermoplastic frame film along with the functional element between a first glass pane and a second glass pane to form a layer stack, and subsequent joining of the layer stack by lamination to form a composite pane. The thermoplastic frame film and the functional element have a different thickness and the different thickness is at least partially compensated by at least one thermoplastic compensating film, whose thickness is less than twice as large as the difference between the thicknesses of the thermoplastic frame film and the functional element such that the maximum offset in the layer stack is less than the difference between the thicknesses of the thermoplastic frame film and the functional element.

A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

Automotive glazing, with electrically controlled light transmittance, has been available for a number of years. Growth has been steady as the public recognizes the added utility provided. While a number of means of implementation are in use, all require a set of electrodes spanning opposite faces of the switchable portion of the glazing. As automotive electronic content has proliferated and the glazed area of the vehicle has increased, it is becoming more and more of a problem finding a suitable location for the controls, for the switchable glazing as well as for other functions. By structuring the electrodes, touch sensitive regions can be formed on the laminate and utilized for control.

Provided are a laminated glass which has a reduced occurrence of voids and accumulation of liquid crystal, and a production method for the laminated glass. Also provided is a laminated glass which can prevent deterioration of a sealing material. This laminated glass 1 comprises a first glass plate 33A, a first intermediate film 31A, a liquid crystal film 10, a second intermediate film 31B, and a second glass plate, which are layered and disposed in this order, wherein the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B have a larger outer shape than that of the liquid crystal film 10, and a spacer 32 is provided in at least a portion of a region which is interposed between the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B and in which the liquid crystal film 10 is not disposed.

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 alternating conductive and dielectric layers, supported by one or more resilient polymer-based layers. A first set of electrostatic forces help cause the shutter to extend and remain in an extended position, whereas an electric field can be setup to help encourage the retraction of the shutter from an extended or at least partially extended position.

A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.

A packaged film assembly includes a packaging material and a switchable film. The switchable film is packaged in and attached to at least a portion of the packaging material.