Patent classifications
E06B2009/247
Transparent structure with controllable lighting
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a transparent structure. The structure may include at least one light source, a transparent light-carrying guide layer optically coupled with the at least one light source. The structure may include refractive layers where a light absorbing feature is operably associated with the light-carrying guide layer to absorb any light not internally reflected in the light guide layer, at least adjacent the light source.
CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES
Window controller systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a window controller system for controlling multiple optically switchable devices comprises a printed circuit board comprising a first plurality of footprints to which a first plurality of components is mounted and a second plurality of footprints, wherein a subset of the second plurality of footprints is populated by a second plurality of components. The first plurality of components may comprise: a plurality of insulated glass unit (IGU) controllers, each configured to control an IGU of a corresponding plurality of IGUs operatively coupled to the window controller system; and a processing unit configured to control each of the plurality of IGU controllers. The second plurality of components may be selected based on a cable type and/or a protocol type used to provide power and data signals to the printed circuit board.
Controllers for optically-switchable devices
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, an apparatus for controlling one or more optically-switchable devices includes a processing unit, a voltage regulator and a polarity switch. The processing unit can generate: a command voltage signal based on a target optical state of an optically-switchable device, and a polarity control signal. The voltage regulator can receive power at a first voltage and increase or decrease a magnitude of the first voltage based on the command voltage signal to provide a DC voltage signal at a regulated voltage. A polarity switch can receive the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage to maintain or reverse a polarity of the DC voltage signal based on the polarity control signal. The polarity switch can output the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage and at the polarity based on the polarity control signal to power the optically-switchable device. In some other implementations, the apparatus includes a processing unit, an energy storage device, and first and second voltage regulators.
MOBILE MODULAR DWELLING SYSTEM
A mobile modular dwelling system comprising a floor; a front semicircular sub-assembly secured to the floor, the front semicircular sub-assembly including a pane arrangement; and a rear polygonal sub-assembly also secured to the floor and to the front semicircular sub-assembly. In combination, the front and rear sub-assemblies provide a shelter in the face of prevailing wind and rain, regardless of the direction from which weather may originate, while offering an interior designer a wider latitude of furniture choices than does a semicircular footprint alone.
Privacy glazing system with discrete electrical driver
A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.
Low-voltage smart glass
Embodiments include modular wall systems, smart glass controllers and methods for operating such. In one scenario, a modular wall system is provided which includes a frame with a horizontal stringer. The modular wall system also includes first connectors positioned on the horizontal stringer, and a decorative smart glass pane which includes second connectors configured to attach to the first connectors on the horizontal stringer. The second connectors and the first connectors physically attach the decorative smart glass pane to the modular wall system. A power connector is also included. The power connector is configured to receive a direct current (DC) input voltage from a power source. A power inverter converts the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts. Furthermore, a smart glass surface is included, which is in communication with an output of the inverter.
WINDOW-BASED TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION AND/OR DISPLAY
A window can comprise a first side and a second side substantially parallel to the first side. The window can comprise an optical grating operatively positioned with respect to one of the first side and the second side. The optical grating can be used to determine a temperature at or near the respective one of the first side and the second side.
CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.
MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT
A motorized window treatment system may include a roller tube, a flexible material, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets may include a stationary portion configured to be attached to a structure surrounding a window. The mounting brackets may include a movable portion configured to receive an end portion of a housing of a motor drive unit. The movable portion may be configured to operate the motorized window treatment between the operating position and the extended position in a circular-shaped path. A portion of the motor drive unit may be accessible when the motorized window treatment is in the extended position. The mounting brackets may include a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent the motorized window treatment from extending beyond the extended position.
CONTROL OF COVERING MATERIAL AND MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENTS
A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a covering material that is attached to the roller tube, and a motor drive unit configured to be located within the roller tube. The motor drive unit may include a motor drive shaft defining a motor drive shaft rotational axis in a longitudinal direction. The motor drive shaft may be configured to rotate the roller tube to adjust the covering material between a raised position and a lowered position. The motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a visible light transmittance of the covering material by rotating the roller tube, for example, when the covering material is in a fixed position between the raised position and the lowered position.