Features for Window Unit for Reducing Bird Collisions

Abstract

A window includes: a first transparent panel including an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, a second transparent panel including an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, where the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, where the No. 1 surface includes a pattern having a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, where each of the plurality of markings include an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

Claims

1. A window comprising: a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface; and a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, wherein the No. 1 surface comprises a pattern comprising a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion formed from one or more patterns having one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas within each abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

2. The window of claim 1, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no two square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

3. The window of claim 1, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no four square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

4. The window of claim 1, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no six square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

5. The window of claim 1, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no eight square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

6. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 25 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

7. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 30 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

8. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 35 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

9. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 40 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

10. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 45 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

11. The window of claim 1, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 50 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

12. The window of claim 1, wherein the plurality of abrasions are formed such that each abrasion has a maximum width in at least one direction of from 1 mm to 10 mm.

13. The window of claim 1, wherein the abrasions are laser-induced markings formed by applying a laser beam to the No. 1 surface to remove at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface or produce microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

14. The window of claim 13, wherein the abrasions are formed by removing at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface.

15. The window of claim 13, wherein the abrasions are formed by producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

16. The window of claim 13, wherein the abrasions are formed from one or more geometric shapes containing one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas.

17. The window of claim 16, wherein the geometric shapes are selected from one or more polygons, stars, or other discontinuous symbols.

18. The window of claim 16, wherein the geometric shapes are selected concentric circles of alternating abraded and non-abraded areas.

19. The window of claim 13, wherein the abrasions are formed from a rectangular line containing one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas therein.

20. The window of claim 13, wherein the laser-induced markings are formed by a carbon dioxide laser.

21. The window of claim 13, wherein the laser beam has an energy density of from 0.5 J/cm.sup.2 to 10 J/cm.sup.2 at a location of a marking formed by the laser beam.

22. The window of claim 1, wherein the No. 1 surface is an uncoated surface and/or a coated surface.

23. The window of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of markings scatter incident electromagnetic radiation.

24. The window of claim 1, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel.

25. The window of claim 1, wherein the gap comprises a gas denser than air.

26. The window of claim 1, wherein the gap is evacuated to produce a vacuum.

27. The window of claim 26, further comprising a plurality of supports arranged in the gap to connect the first panel and the second panel.

28. The window of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed between locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

29. The window of claim 28, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed at locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

30. The window of claim 1, wherein the first panel is a component of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) component.

31. The window of claim 1, wherein the window is arranged in a frame of an architectural structure with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural structure.

32. The window of claim 2, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed by applying the laser beam to the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

33. The window of claim 1, wherein the plurality of markings exhibit a 20? gloss value of less than 1.

34. The window of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises glass and/or plastic.

35. The window of claim 1, further comprising at least one side light positioned to emit light at a side of the first transparent panel between the No. 1 surface and the No. 2 surface.

36. An architectural structure comprising the window of claim 1.

37. The architectural structure of claim 36, comprising a building comprising an opening, wherein the window is mounted in the opening with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the building.

38. A method of manufacturing a window, comprising: providing an insulated transparency unit comprising a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface and a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap; and forming a pattern at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion formed from one or more patterns having one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas within each abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the patterning comprises removing at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface or producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface using a laser beam.

40. The method of claim 38, further comprising: sealing the gap closed by forming an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed at the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein the gap is filled with a gas denser than air.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein the gap comprises a vacuum.

43. A method of preventing bird collisions with an architectural substrate, comprising: installing the window of claim 1 in an opening of an architectural substrate with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural substrate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawing figures wherein like reference numbers identify like parts throughout.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a top view of a first panel of a window having a first pattern, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 1B is a top view of a first panel of a window having a second pattern, according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 1C is a top view of a first panel of a window having a third pattern, according to still another aspect of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 1D is a top view of a first panel of a window having a multiple alternative patterns, according to other aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 1E is a chart that illustrates various different geometric shapes that can be used to form one or more patters, according to other aspects of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 1F is a top view of a first panel of a window having a multiple alternative patterns, according to other aspects of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 1G is a chart that illustrates various different geometric shapes that can be used to form one or more patters, according to other aspects of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum filled dual-pane window having markings in the form of removal abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum filled dual-pane window having markings in the form of subsurface abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of a gas filled dual-pane window having markings in the form of removal abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of a gas filled dual-pane window having markings in the form of subsurface abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an architectural structure comprising a window, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of laser inducing a marking in the form of a removal abrasion at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a marking in the form of a removal abrasion at the No. 1 surface emitting scattered radiation, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of a single-pane window having markings in the form of removal abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of a single-pane window having markings in the form of subsurface abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a side-lit vacuum filled dual-pane window having markings in the form of removal abrasions at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 10 shows a photograph of a VIG unit having a first panel having a pattern at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 11 shows a photograph of a VIG unit having a first panel having a pattern at the No. 1 surface, according to some aspects of the present invention; and

[0034] FIG. 12 shows a photograph of a unit having the No. 1 surface coated, wherein the No. 1 surface was patterned by removing portions of the coating using a diode laser (?=390 nm).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, inner, outer, above, below, and the like, relate to the disclosure as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, as used herein, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical value should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending range values and any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 3.3, 4.7 to 7.5, 5.5 to 10, and the like. A or an refers to one or more.

[0036] Additionally, all documents, such as, but not limited to, issued patents and patent applications, referred to herein are to be considered to be incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0037] The present disclosure is directed to a window comprising: a first panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, a second panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, wherein the No. 1 surface comprises a pattern comprising a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1A-1G, window 100 is shown having a first panel 102 having a pattern according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The pattern comprises a plurality of visible markings 106 at a first major surface (No. 1 surface 104). The pattern can comprise any arrangement of the plurality of visible markings 106. The pattern distribution can be periodic, quasi-periodic, or random. The markings 106 can be of any shape (e.g., circles, triangles, parallelograms), or any other conceivable design of markings 106. The pattern can comprise a plurality of markings 106 spaced over the No. 1 surface 104. The pattern can be spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface 104 such that there is no four square inch area of the No. 1 surface 104 without a marking 106. The pattern being spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface 104 may contribute to the window 100 reducing bird collisions, as the markings 106 are visible to the birds. Ensuring that there is no four square inch area of the No. 1 surface 104 without a marking 106 may make it such that a bird of any size flying toward the window 100 perceives the window 100 and does not mistake a gap between markings for an area in which the bird can fly through.

[0039] In another instance, ensuring that there is no two (2) square inch, four (4) square inch, six (6) square inch, eight (8) square inch, or even ten (10) square inch area of the No. 1 surface 104 without a marking 106 may make it such that a bird of any size flying toward the window 100 perceives the window 100 and does not mistake a gap between markings for an area in which the bird can fly through.

[0040] In another instance, up to 25 percent, up to 30 percent, up to 35 percent, up to 40 percent, up to 45 percent, or even up to 50 percent of the surface areas of the No. 1 surface 104 is etched with one or more of the markings or patterns 106 of the present invention. It should be noted that given that some of the patterns, or markings, of the present invention contain one or more unetched portions within etched areas, patterns, or markings, the amount of etched surface as discussed herein is calculated based on the percentage of the surface areas of the No. 1 surface 104 that is actually etched with or more suitable etching techniques, or devices, such as a laser.

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1G, the markings 106 may be visible to birds. The markings 106 may be visible to both birds and humans, such that they are visible by reflecting radiation in the visible region (approximately 380-750 nm) of the electrometric spectrum. The markings 106 may exhibit a low gloss value at 20?, such as the markings 106 having a 20? gloss value of less than 1 gloss unit, less than 0.5 gloss units, or less than 0.25 gloss units. The 20? gloss value can be measured using a gloss meter. The No. 1 surface 104 can be an uncoated surface. Alternatively, the No. 1 surface 104 can be coated, such as with a solar control coating, a protective coating, or any other type of coating.

[0042] The plurality of visible markings 106 are arranged at the No. 1 surface 104. Each marking 106 can comprise an abrasion at the No. 1 surface 104. The phrase at the No. 1 surface refers to the abrasion being on the No. 1 surface 104 or subsurface to (under) the No. 1 surface 104, as will be shown and described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B. An abrasion refers to an alteration to the first panel 102 at the location of the marking 106.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, dual-pane window 100 is shown having markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. While FIGS. 2A and 2B shows a dual-pane window 100, it will be appreciated that the window 100 can have additional panes, such as 3 panes or 4 panes. Alternatively, the window 100 can have only a single pane. In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the window 100 comprises a first panel 102 comprising the No. 1 surface 104, which is exterior facing, and an opposing second major surface (No. 2 surface 108). The window 100 can also comprise a second panel 110 comprising an interior-facing fourth major surface (No. 4 surface 114) and an opposing third major surface (No. 3 surface 112). The first panel 102 and the second panel 110 can be spaced apart from one another by a gap 116 (e.g. the gap between the No. 2 surface 108 and the No. 3 surface 112).

[0044] Non-limiting examples of the window 100 in FIGS. 2A and 2B are in the form of insulating glass units that include the first panel 102 with the No. 1 surface 104 and an opposed No. 2 surface 108 installed in a building. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the No. 1 surface 104 faces the building exterior, i.e., is an outer major surface, and the No. 2 surface 108 faces the interior of the building. The window 100 also includes the second panel 110 having an outer (first) No. 3 surface 112 and an inner (second) No. 4 surface 114. This numbering of the panel surfaces is in keeping with conventional practice in the fenestration art.

[0045] The first and second panels 102, 110 can be connected together in any suitable manner, such as by being adhesively bonded to a conventional spacer frame 118. The gap 116 is formed between the two panels 102, 110. The gap 116 can be evacuated to produce a vacuum (a vacuum insulating glass unit). Examples of insulating glass units are found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,193,236; 4,464,874; 5,088,258; and 5,106,663.

[0046] The first and second panels 102, 110 can comprise glass or plastic. Alternatively, the first and second panels 102, 110 can comprise glass. Non-limiting examples of suitable glass materials for the first and second panels 102, 110 include soda-lime-silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or leaded glass. The glass can be clear glass. By clear glass is meant non-tinted or non-colored glass. Alternatively, the glass can be tinted or otherwise colored glass. The glass can be annealed or heat-treated glass. As used herein, the term heat treated means tempered or at least partially tempered. The glass can be of any type, such as float glass, and can be of any composition having any optical properties, e.g., any value of visible transmission, ultraviolet transmission, infrared transmission, and/or total solar energy transmission. By float glass is meant glass formed by a float process in which molten glass is deposited onto a molten metal bath and controllably cooled to form a float glass ribbon.

[0047] The first and second panels 102, 110 can comprise plastic. Non-limiting examples of suitable plastic materials for the first and second panels 102, 110 include acrylic polymers, such as polyacrylates; polyalkylmethacrylates, such as polymethylmethacrylates, polyethylmethacrylates, polypropylmethacrylates, and the like; polyurethanes; polycarbonates; polyalkylterephthalates, such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polypropyleneterephthalates, polybutyleneterephthalates, and the like; polysiloxane-containing polymers; or copolymers of any monomers for preparing these, or any mixtures thereof).

[0048] The first and second panels 102, 110 can be of any desired dimensions, e.g., length, width, shape, or thickness. In one non-limiting embodiment in which the first and second panels 102, 110 are components in an architectural transparency, each of the first and second panels 102, 110 can be 1-30 mm thick, such as 2.5-25 mm thick, or 2.5-10 mm. In one non-limiting embodiment in which the first and second panels 102, 110 are components in an automotive transparency, each of the first and second panels 102, 110 can be 1-10 mm thick, such as 1-8 mm thick, 2-8 mm, 3-7 mm, 5-7 mm, or 4-6 mm thick.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2A, the window 100 comprises a plurality of markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104. The markings 106 can be on the No. 1 surface 104 as shown in FIG. 2A, and such markings 106 can be removal abrasions 120 formed by removing at least a portion of material from the original No. 1 surface 104 (an alteration to the first panel 102 at the location of the marking 106), thereby forming a visible marking 106.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 6, the removal abrasion 120 can be laser-induced by applying a laser 134 to the No. 1 surface 104 to remove at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface 104. The laser 134 can be any laser emitting a beam 136 of sufficient energy density to produce the removal abrasion 120. For example, the removal abrasion 120 can be formed by a carbon dioxide laser, an yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser, a frequency doubled YAG laser, a fiber laser, a diode laser, an excimer laser, and the like. For example, the laser 134 (e.g., the beam 136 thereof) can have an energy density of from 0.5 J/cm.sup.2 to 10 J/cm.sup.2 at the location of the marking 106 (the removal abrasion 120) being formed thereby. The energy density will depend on the specific laser used but is preferably in the range of 0.75 J/cm.sup.2 to 5 J/cm.sup.2. For example, the beam 136 of the laser 134 can have a contact beam width 138 of less than 1 mm at the location of the marking 106 (the removal abrasion 120) being formed thereby. A larger beam width can be used if the laser output is such that the energy density is above the threshold required for material removal or damage.

[0051] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the removal abrasion 120 can be formed by sandblasting the No. 1 surface 104 to remove at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface 104, thereby forming a visible marking 106. Other means of mechanically abrading the surface can also be used including, but not limited to, a diamond grit coated pad at high rotational speed pressed against the surface. In another embodiment, other means of abrading the surface can be utilized such be any photolithography method (be it chemical-based, laser based, or other photolithography technique) that are known in the art that are able to etch a pattern into a glass and/or plastic surface.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2B, the window 100 comprises a plurality of markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104. The markings 106 can be under the No. 1 surface 104 as shown (in the first panel 102 between the No. 1 surface 104 and the No. 2 surface 108), and such markings 106 can be produced as subsurface abrasions 122, such as microcracks (an alteration to the first panel 102 at the location of the marking 106). The subsurface abrasions 122 can be laser-induced by applying a laser beam to the No. 1 surface 104 to produce subsurface abrasions 122 to the No. 1 surface 104. The laser beam can have the same characteristics as the laser beam used to form removal abrasions 120 in FIGS. 2A and 6, with the laser type, energy density, and beam width being selected to produce the microcracks subsurface to the No. 1 surface 104, for example, without damaging other sections of the first panel 102.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 6, the markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104 can alternatively be formed by chemical etching unassisted by any photon enhanced reaction. In still another embodiment, the plurality of markings are not formed by chemical etching unassisted by any photon enhanced reaction. Forming the markings 106 as described herein and without chemical etching may avoid damage to the window 100, and may particularly avoid damage to the edge 128, described hereinafter in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0054] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B and additionally to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of supports 119 can be arranged in the gap 116 to connect the first panel 102 and the second panel 110. The supports 119 can provide additional strength to the window 100. The supports 119 can provide additional strength to the window 100 having the gap 116 filled with a gas. Alternatively, the supports 119 can provide additional strength to the window 100 having the gap 116 that is a vacuum. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the supports 119 can be arranged in pattern, with supports 119 spaced apart by approximately 20-70 mm.sup.2, such as 30-60 mm 2, or 50 mm.sup.2, in order to provide adequate support to the first panel 102 and the second panel 110.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 2A, at least a portion of the plurality of markings 106 can be formed at locations in which the supports 119 contact the first panel 102 (e.g., the No. 2 surface 108 thereof). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the supports 119 can be arranged to contact the first panel 102 at a location of a marking 106.

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 2B, at least a portion of the plurality of markings 106 can be formed between locations in which the supports 119 contact the first panel 102 (e.g., the No. 2 surface 108 thereof). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the supports 119 can be arranged to contact the first panel 102 at a location between markings 106.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, the windows 100 shown therein are the same as the windows shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, except as follows. The gap 116 can be filled with a selected atmosphere, such as air, or a non-reactive gas such as argon or krypton gas. The gas filling the gap 116 can be denser than air. Because the gap 116 is filled with a selected atmosphere (instead of being vacuum filled), the windows 100 can omit supports 119 included in the windows 100 from FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively to being vacuum filled or gas filled, the gap 116 can contain a liquid, gel, solid, or combination thereof. The gap 116 can also contain a mechanical structure such as movable blinds.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, an architectural structure 124 is shown in which the architectural structure 124 comprises at least one window 100 described herein. The architectural structure 124 can comprise an opening 126, wherein the window 100 is mounted in the opening 126 with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface 104 (not shown) of the window 100 arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural structure 124. The architectural structure 124 can be a building, such as a residential or commercial building. The window 100 can be used in the building as a window or skylight of the building. The window 100 comprising the first panel 102 (not shown) can be a component of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) component.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the window 100 can comprise a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) unit. The VIG unit can comprise the first panel 102 spaced apart from the second panel 110 to form the gap 116. Supports 119 can be arranged in the gap 116 to connect the first panel 102 and second panel 110 to provide additional support thereto. The visible markings 106 can be arranged at the No. 1 surface 104. An edge 128 can be arranged around a perimeter of the window 100 to connect the edges of the first panel 102 and the second panel 110 to seal the gap 116 closed. The edge 128 can be soldered to seal the gap 116 closed. The edge 128 can prevent gas from entering or leaving the gap 116 by the perimeter between the first panel 102 and the second panel 110.

[0061] With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the VIG unit can comprise a pump out tube 130 and a pump out cavity 132 for evacuating the gap 116 after the edge 128 between the first panel 102 and the second panel 110 has been formed to seal the gap 116. The pump out tube 130 can comprise a first end arranged in the gap 116 and/or the pump out cavity 132 and a second end protruding from a surface of the first panel 102 and/or the second panel 110. The pump out cavity 132 can comprise at least a portion of the region of the gap 116 in which the first end of the pump out tube 130 is arranged and/or a portion of a region cut out from the No. 2 surface 108 and/or the No. 3 surface 112 of the first panel 102 and/or the second panel 110.

[0062] The pump out tube 130 and a pump out cavity 132 can be used to evacuate the gap 116 after the edge 128 between the first panel 102 and the second panel 110 has been formed to seal the gap 116. After the edge 128 between the first panel 102 and the second panel 110 has been formed to seal the gap 116, the gap 116 can contain residual gas (e.g. air), not desired for a VIG unit. The second end of the pump out tube 130 can be opened after the edge 128 is formed to evacuate the residual gas from the gap 116. The gas from the gap 116 can be forced from the gap 116, into the pump out cavity 132, in through the first end of the pump out tube 130, and out through the second end of the pump out tube 130. This procedure can be used to form a vacuum in the gap 116, and thus form the VIG unit.

[0063] With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the markings 106 can be formed (e.g., by applying the laser beam) at the No. 1 surface 104 of the first panel 102 of the VIG unit after the gap 116 is sealed closed by the formation of the edge 128 connecting the first panel 102 and the second panel 110. The markings 106 can be formed as previously described and without chemical etching to avoid damage to the window 100, such as damage to the edge 128.

[0064] In still another embodiment, the present invention can be applied in any manner and/or method described herein on an insulated glass (IG) unit or structure. While such IG unit is not illustrated in the attached figures, such IG units are known in the art and thus a detailed description herein is omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0065] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the window 100 can be an insulating glass unit in which the gap 116 is filled with a gas with a thermal conductivity lower than air, such as argon. The gap 116 can be filled with the gas heavier than air. For example, the gap 116 can be filled with the gas heavier than air after the edge 128 between the first panel 102 and the second panel 110 has been formed to seal the gap 116 using the pump out tube 130. The gas heavier than air can be flowed into the second end of the pump out tube 130 and out of the first end thereof and into the gap 116. The markings can be formed at the No. 1 surface 104 of the first panel 102 of the window 100 having the gap 116 filled with gas heavier than air after the gap 116 is sealed closed by the formation of the edge 128 connecting the first panel 102 and the second panel 110.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, the markings 106 spaced at the No. 1 surface 104, leaving visible markings at the No. 1 surface 104, scatter visible incident electromagnetic radiation. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a marking 106 (a removal abrasion 120) is formed in the No. 1 surface 104 of the first panel 102. Incoming radiation 140, such as from sunlight or another radiation source, can be incident to the marking 106, such that the incoming radiation 140 collides with the marking 106. The incoming radiation 140 may comprise visible electromagnetic radiation, and may comprise ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation. Upon the incoming radiation 140 colliding with the marking 106, the marking 106 may reflect radiation (i.e., the scattered radiation 142) in at least one direction away from the No. 1 surface 104. The scattered radiation 142 may be scattered. By scattered, it is meant that the incoming radiation 140 is reflected in non-specular directions to form the scattered radiation 142. A specular direction is a direction of reflection characteristic of a mirror.

[0067] The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a window for reducing bird collisions, such as any of the windows described herein. The method of manufacturing includes providing a window (such as an insulating glass unit described herein) comprising a first panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface and a second panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap. The method can further comprise forming a pattern at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface (e.g., over an entire area of the No. 1 surface), wherein each of the plurality of markings comprises an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0068] The patterning at the No. 1 surface can comprise removing at least a portion of material from the No. 1 surface or producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface using a laser beam as described herein.

[0069] The method of manufacturing can further include sealing the gap closed by forming an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, and the plurality of markings can be formed at the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed. Forming the plurality of markings after the gap is sealed closed can allow for the more efficient formation of the window because the markings can be formed on an otherwise completely manufactured window (as opposed to patterning the No. 1 surface before assembling the window unit). The gap can be filled with a gas denser than air. Alternatively, the gap can comprise a vacuum by evacuating gas in the gap.

[0070] The present invention is also directed to a method of preventing bird collisions with an architectural substrate comprising a window, such as any of the windows described herein. The method can include installing the window described herein in an opening of an architectural substrate with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural substrate.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the windows 100 shown therein are similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2D except as follows. The windows 100 in FIGS. 8A and 8B have a single pane (as opposed to the dual pane windows 100 from FIGS. 2A-2D). Therefore, the windows in FIGS. 8A and 8B comprise a first panel 102 having a No. 1 surface 104 and an opposing No. 2 surface 108. The first panel 102 can be arranged between the frame 118 to form the window 100. The first panel 102 can have a pattern comprising a plurality of visible markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104. In FIG. 8A, the markings 106 comprise removal abrasions 120, while in FIG. 8B, the markings comprise subsurface abrasions 122.

[0072] With continued reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the patterning at the No. 1 surface 104 can comprise removing at least a portion of material from the No. 1 surface 104 or producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface 104 using a laser beam as described herein. The windows 100 of FIGS. 8A and 8B can be manufactured by forming the markings 106 after the first panel 102 has been arranged in the frame 118 to form the window 100. Forming the markings 106 after the first panel 102 has been arranged in the frame 118 can allow for the more efficient formation of the window 100 because the markings 106 can be formed on an otherwise completely manufactured window (as opposed to patterning the No. 1 surface 104 before assembling the window unit).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, the window 100 shown therein is similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2D except as follows. The window 100 in FIG. 9 can further comprise at least one side light 146. The side light 146 can be positioned on at least one side of the first panel 102, the side being between the No. 1 surface 104 and the No. 2 surface 108. For example, the side light 146 can be integrated into the frame 118 and emit light into the side of the first panel 102. Rays of light emitted from the side light 146 can pass through the interior of the first panel 102, and at least some of the rays of the light can become incident to markings 106 at the No. 1 surface 104. The portion of the light emitted from the side light 146 that becomes incident to the markings 106 can further illuminate the markings 106 making them even more visible than markings 106 not illuminated with light from the side light 146. The markings 106 can redirect the incident light so that the markings 106 appear more visible. Thus, the use of the side light 146 may make the markings 106 even more visible, further preventing bird collisions with the window 100.

[0074] Although the side light 146 is shown integrated into the frame 118 of the window 100 having two panels 102, 110 and having removal abrasions 120 as the markings 106, it will be appreciated that the side light 146 can be used for single panel 102 windows 100 (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8B) and/or with subsurface abrasions 122 as the markings 106. Further, although the side light 146 is shown emitting light at a side of the first panel 102, the side light 146 may additionally or alternatively emit light at a side of the second panel 110, which second panel can additionally or alternatively comprise markings 106.

[0075] While not limited thereto, the abrasions, markings and/or patterns of the present invention are formed such that any such linear, or line-based, pattern is typically formed with a width between 1 mm to 10 mm, between 2 mm to 9 mm, between 3 mm to 8 mm, between 4 mm to 7 mm, or even between 5 mm to 6 mm. In another embodiment, the abrasions, markings and/or patterns of the present invention are formed such that any such circular, or other geometric non-linear shape-based, pattern is typically formed with a maximum width, or diameter (in the case of a circular pattern), in at least one direction between 1 mm to 10 mm, between 2 mm to 9 mm, between 3 mm to 8 mm, between 4 mm to 7 mm, or even between 5 mm to 6 mm.

[0076] Further as can be seen from FIGS. 1E and 1G, the various alternative patterns of the present invention can, where desired, enable a manufacturer to realize a large amount of energy savings in the case where the plurality of abrasions of the present invention are discontinuous in design such as the various polygon-shaped patterns of FIG. 1E and/or the discontinuous circular patterns of FIG. 1E. Alternatively, energy savings via reduced laser etching can also be realized via the various alternative patterns disclosed in FIG. 1G. It should also be realized that the various alternative designs of FIGS. 1E and 1G can also reduce laser etching times, etching and/or sandblasting times, photolithography complexity, as well as other advantages.

[0077] The following numbered clauses are illustrative of various aspects of the present invention:

[0078] Clause 1: A window comprising: a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, wherein the No. 1 surface comprises a pattern comprising a plurality of markings spaced over the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0079] Clause 2: The window of clause 1, wherein the abrasions are laser-induced markings formed by applying a laser beam to the No. 1 surface to remove at least a portion of material from the No. 1 surface or produce microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

[0080] Clause 3: The window of clause 1 or 2, wherein the abrasions are formed by sandblasting the No. 1 surface to remove at least a portion of material from the No. 1 surface.

[0081] Clause 4: The window of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the abrasions are formed by removing at least a portion of material from the No. 1 surface.

[0082] Clause 5: The window of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the abrasions are formed by producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

[0083] Clause 6: The window of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the No. 1 surface is an uncoated surface and/or a coated surface.

[0084] Clause 7: The window of any of clauses 2-6, wherein the laser-induced markings are formed by a carbon dioxide laser.

[0085] Clause 8: The window of any of clauses 2-7, wherein the laser beam has an energy density of from 0.5 J/cm.sup.2 to 10 J/cm.sup.2 at a location of a marking formed by the laser beam.

[0086] Clause 9: The window of any of clauses 1-8, wherein each of the plurality of markings scatter incident electromagnetic radiation.

[0087] Clause 10: The window of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel.

[0088] Clause 11: The window of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the gap comprises a gas denser than air.

[0089] Clause 12: The window of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the gap is evacuated to produce a vacuum.

[0090] Clause 13: The window of clause 12, further comprising a plurality of supports arranged in the gap to connect the first panel and the second panel.

[0091] Clause 14: The window of clause 13, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed between locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

[0092] Clause 15: The window of clause 13 or 14, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed at locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

[0093] Clause 16: The window of any of clauses 1-15, wherein the first panel is a component of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) component.

[0094] Clause 17: The window of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the window is arranged in a frame of an architectural structure with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural structure.

[0095] Clause 18: The window of any of clauses 2-17, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed by applying the laser beam to the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

[0096] Clause 19: The window of any of clauses 1-18, wherein the plurality of markings are formed by chemical etching unassisted by any photon enhanced reaction.

[0097] Clause 20: The window of any of clauses 1-18, wherein the plurality of markings are not formed by chemical etching unassisted by any photon enhanced reaction.

[0098] Clause 21: The window of any of clauses 1-20, wherein the plurality of markings exhibit a 20? gloss value of less than 1.

[0099] Clause 22: The window of any of clauses 1-21, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no four square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

[0100] Clause 23: The window of any of clauses 1-22, wherein the first panel comprises glass and/or plastic.

[0101] Clause 24: The window of any of clauses 1-23, further comprising at least one side light positioned to emit light at a side of the first transparent panel between the No. 1 surface and the No. 2 surface.

[0102] Clause 25: An architectural structure comprising the window of any of clauses 1-24.

[0103] Clause 26: The architectural structure of clause 25, comprising a building comprising an opening, wherein the window is mounted in the opening with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the building.

[0104] Clause 27: A method of manufacturing a window, comprising: providing an insulated transparency unit comprising a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface and a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap; and forming a pattern at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprises an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0105] Clause 28: The method of clause 27, wherein the patterning comprises removing at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface or producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface using a laser beam.

[0106] Clause 29: The method of clause 27 or 28, further comprising: sealing the gap closed by forming an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed at the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

[0107] Clause 30: The method of any of clauses 27-29, wherein the gap is filled with a gas denser than air.

[0108] Clause 31: The method of any of clauses 27-30, wherein the gap comprises a vacuum.

[0109] Clause 32: A method of preventing bird collisions with an architectural substrate, comprising: installing the window of any of clauses 1-24 in an opening of an architectural substrate with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural substrate.

[0110] Clause 33: A method of manufacturing a transparency, comprising: providing a single transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, wherein the single transparent panel is arranged between a frame; and forming a pattern at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprises an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern is formed at the No. 1 surface after the first transparent panel is arranged between the frame.

[0111] Clause 34: A window comprising: a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, wherein the No. 1 surface comprises a pattern comprising a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion formed from one or more patterns having one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas within each abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0112] Clause 35: The window of clause 34, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no two square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

[0113] Clause 36: The window of clause 34, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no four square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

[0114] Clause 37: The window of clause 34, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no six square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

[0115] Clause 38: The window of clause 34, wherein the pattern is spaced over the entire area of the No. 1 surface such that there is no eight square inch area of the No. 1 surface without a marking of the plurality of markings.

[0116] Clause 39: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 25 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0117] Clause 40: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 30 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0118] Clause 41: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 35 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0119] Clause 42: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 40 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0120] Clause 43: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 45 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0121] Clause 44: The window of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the total area of the plurality of markings covers up to 50 percent of the area of the No. 1 surface.

[0122] Clause 45: The window of any of clauses 34-44, wherein the plurality of abrasions are formed such that each abrasion have a maximum width in at least one direction of from 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0123] Clause 46: The window of any of clauses 34-44, wherein the abrasions are laser-induced markings formed by applying a laser beam to the No. 1 surface to remove at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface or produce microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

[0124] Clause 47: The window of any of clauses 34-46, wherein the abrasions are formed by removing at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface.

[0125] Clause 48: The window of clause 47, wherein the abrasions are formed by producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface.

[0126] Clause 49: The window of clause 47, wherein the abrasions are formed from one or more geometric shapes containing one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas.

[0127] Clause 50: The window of clause 49, wherein the geometric shapes are selected from one or more polygons, stars, or other discontinuous symbols

[0128] Clause 51: The window of clause 49, wherein the geometric shapes are selected concentric circles of alternating abraded and non-abraded areas.

[0129] Clause 52: The window of clause 47, wherein the abrasions are formed from a rectangular line containing one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas therein.

[0130] Clause 53: The window of clause 47, wherein the laser-induced markings are formed by a carbon dioxide laser.

[0131] Clause 54: The window of clause 47, wherein the laser beam has an energy density of from 0.5 J/cm.sup.2 to 10 J/cm.sup.2 at a location of a marking formed by the laser beam.

[0132] Clause 55: The window of any of clauses 34-54, wherein the No. 1 surface is an uncoated surface and/or a coated surface.

[0133] Clause 56: The window of any of clauses 34-55, wherein each of the plurality of markings scatter incident electromagnetic radiation.

[0134] Clause 57: The window of any of clauses 34-56, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel.

[0135] Clause 58: The window of any of clauses 34-57, wherein the gap comprises a gas denser than air.

[0136] Clause 59: The window of any of clauses 34-57, wherein the gap is evacuated to produce a vacuum.

[0137] Clause 60: The window of clause 59, further comprising a plurality of supports arranged in the gap to connect the first panel and the second panel.

[0138] Clause 61: The window of clause 60, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed between locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

[0139] Clause 62: The window of clause 61, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of markings are formed at locations in which the plurality of supports contact the first panel.

[0140] Clause 63: The window of any of clauses 34-62, wherein the first panel is a component of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) component.

[0141] Clause 64: The window of any of clauses 34-62, wherein the window is arranged in a frame of an architectural structure with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural structure.

[0142] Clause 65: The window of any of clauses 46-64, wherein the gap is sealed closed by an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed by applying the laser beam to the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

[0143] Clause 66: The window of any of clauses 34-65, wherein the plurality of markings exhibit a 20? gloss value of less than 1.

[0144] Clause 67: The window of any of clauses 34-66, wherein the first panel comprises glass and/or plastic.

[0145] Clause 68: The window of any of clauses 34-67, further comprising at least one side light positioned to emit light at a side of the first transparent panel between the No. 1 surface and the No. 2 surface.

[0146] Clause 69: An architectural structure comprising the window of any of clauses 34-68.

[0147] Clause 70: The architectural structure of clause 69, comprising a building comprising an opening, wherein the window is mounted in the opening with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the building.

[0148] Clause 71: A method of manufacturing a window, comprising: providing an insulated transparency unit comprising a first transparent panel comprising an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface and a second transparent panel comprising an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, wherein the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap; and forming a pattern at the No. 1 surface, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, wherein each of the plurality of markings comprise an abrasion formed from one or more patterns having one or more intermittent and/or discontinuous non-abraded areas within each abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.

[0149] Clause 72: The method of clause 71, wherein the patterning comprises removing at least a portion of material of the No. 1 surface or producing microcracks beneath the No. 1 surface using a laser beam.

[0150] Clause 73: The method of clause 71, further comprising: sealing the gap closed by forming an edge connecting the first panel and the second panel, wherein the plurality of markings are formed at the No. 1 surface after the gap is sealed closed.

[0151] Clause 74: The method of clause 71, wherein the gap is filled with a gas denser than air.

[0152] Clause 75: The method of clause 71, wherein the gap comprises a vacuum.

[0153] Clause 76: A method of preventing bird collisions with an architectural substrate, comprising: installing the window of any of clauses 34-67 in an opening of an architectural substrate with the exterior-facing No. 1 surface arranged as an exterior surface of the architectural substrate.

EXAMPLES

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, exemplary VIG units could be produced. Two two-pane VIG units with 25 supports in the gap 116 between the first panel 102 and second panel 110 can be obtained, and the No. 1 surface 104 of these VIG units can be patterned using a CO.sub.2 laser (manufactured by Trotec Laser (Marchtrenk, Austria)) at the No. 1 surface 104. The patterns of visible markings 106 would be seen as dot markings similar to those shown in FIG. 10 and or wavy-patterned markings similar to those shown in FIG. 11. The edges 128 sealing the gap 116 between the first and second panels (102, 110), which would be formed before application of the CO.sub.2 laser, would not be affected. The transparent panels of the VIG unit would remain intact with no signs of structural fracturing and with the patterns being clearly visible.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 12, an example of the surface patterned where the No. 1 surface was coated as shown. That surface was patterned by removing at least a portion of the coating using a diode laser (?=390 nm).

[0156] It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.