U.S. patent application number 11/332440 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for method and device for controlling the passage of radiant energy into architectural structures.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONVIN ASSOCIATES LTD.. Invention is credited to Moshe Konstantin, Eitan Konstantino.
Application Number | 20070163732 11/332440 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38262061 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070163732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konstantin; Moshe ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Method and device for controlling the passage of radiant energy
into architectural structures
Abstract
An assembly for controlling the passage of radiant energy
through a skylight, a roof or a wall including at least two linked
control members positioned across the defined region mounted for
generally parallel linked movement relative to each other between a
closed position and an open position. The control members have a
plurality of transmitting areas and blocking areas arranged so that
the respective transmitting areas and blocking areas of the control
members are aligned when the members are in the closed position and
the transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned with
the transmitting areas of the second control member when the panels
are in the open position. A motorized motion unit may be used for
producing relative movement between the control members. The
assembly is particularly well-adapted to be used with a series of
adjacent dual panel glazing units where assemblies associated with
each adjacent dual panel glazing unit are linked to and controlled
by a single motion control device.
Inventors: |
Konstantin; Moshe; (Highland
Park, IL) ; Konstantino; Eitan; (Orinda, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP;ATTN: PATENT DOCKET DEPT.
191 N. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3700
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
KONVIN ASSOCIATES LTD.
Lake Forest
IL
|
Family ID: |
38262061 |
Appl. No.: |
11/332440 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 23/06 20130101;
E04D 3/06 20130101; E06B 9/386 20130101; E04C 2/543 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/237 |
International
Class: |
A47H 23/00 20060101
A47H023/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly for controlling the passage of radiant energy
through a defined region consisting of a portion of a skylight, a
roof or a wall, the assembly comprising: at least two control
members positioned across the defined region, the control members
being mounted for generally parallel movement relative to each
other between a closed position and an open position; and a first
plurality of transmitting areas and blocking areas in a first
control member and a second plurality of transmitting areas and
blocking areas in a second control member, the respective
transmitting areas and blocking areas of the first and second
control members being sized, shaped and positioned so that the
transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned with the
blocking areas of the second control member when the members are in
the closed position and the transmitting areas of the first control
member are aligned with the transmitting areas of the second
control member when the panels are in the open position.
2. The assembly of claim 1 in which the portion is planar.
3. The assembly of claim 1 in which the portion is curved.
4. The assembly of claim 1 in which the relative positions of the
control members are continuously variable between the open and
closed positions to continuously vary the amount of radiant energy
passing through the assembly.
5. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first and second control
members have abutting corresponding faces
6. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first and second control
members have corresponding faces and intervening means disposed
between the abutting faces to minimize friction between the
abutting faces.
7. The assembly of claim 6 in which the intervening means comprises
at least two separate bands.
8. The assembly of claim 6 in which the intervening means comprises
a lubricant surface on at least one of the corresponding faces.
9. The assembly of claim 7 in which the intervening means comprises
a transparent or translucent reduced coefficient of friction
member.
10. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first and second control
members have corresponding faces and the faces are spaced from each
other.
11. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first and second control
members are generally rigid and planar and include guiding surface
shapes to ensure generally parallel relative movement between the
first and second control members.
12. The assembly of claim 1 including more than two control members
with blocking and transmitting areas and the blocking and
transmitting areas are sized, shaped and positioned so that the
respective blocking and transmitting areas of the control members
are aligned when the control members are in the open position and
the blocking areas of all of the control members are aligned when
the control members are in the closed position.
13. The assembly of claim 1 including a series of laterally
disposed pairs of control members.
14. The assembly of claim 13 in which the pairs of control members
are confined in separate adjacent cells.
15. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first and second control
members are planar.
16. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is rigid.
17. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control members are made of
a material chosen from the group consisting of plastic, fiberglass,
fabric, metal or glass.
18. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control members are made of
a fabric chosen from the group consisting of vinyl-coated polyester
yarn and polytetrafluoroethylene fabric.
19. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is flexible.
20. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is made of plastic chosen from the group consisting of
polycarbonate, acrylic, PVC, thermoplastic, and nylon.
21. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is made of metal.
22. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is less than 1 mm in thickness.
23. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control
members is made of a non-combustible material.
24. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second control
members are mounted for movement in opposite generally parallel
directions.
25. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first control member is
stationary and the second control member is mounted for movement
with respect to the first control member.
26. The assembly of claim 1 including a motorized motion unit for
imparting relative movement between the first and second control
members.
27. The assembly of claim 26 in which means for sensing sunlight is
provided and the movement of the motion control is controlled by
the sunlight-sensing means.
28. The assembly of claim 1 in which the control members are
interconnected so that movement of a first control member is
imparted by the first control member to the other control member or
members.
29. The assembly of claim 1 in which greater than two control
members are provided and all of the control members are
interconnected so that movement of the first control member by the
motion control is imparted by the first control member to all of
the interconnected control members.
30. The assembly of claim 1 in which the transmitting areas and
blocking areas comprise a series of contiguous parallel strips
oriented generally perpendicularly to the direction of the relative
movement of the planar control members.
31. The assembly of claim 30 in which the strips each comprise a
series of laterally staggered segments.
32. The assembly of claim 30 in which the strips are from about 5
mm to about 50 mm wide.
33. The assembly of claim 30 in which the blocking strips are wider
than the transmitting strips to ensure complete coverage of the
transmitting strips in the closed position.
34. The assembly of claim 1 in which the blocking areas have
blocking characteristics chosen from the group consisting of
opaque, light-reflecting, translucent, selective spectrum
transmitting, 3D grating, and photochromic.
35. The assembly of claim 34 in which the light-blocking areas
prepared by coating the planar members with the appropriate
light-blocking materials.
36. The assembly of claim 1 in which the blocking areas are
impenetrable to visible light and other forms of radiant
energy.
37. The assembly of claim 1 in which the blocking areas are of
varying opaqueness.
38. The assembly of claim 1 in which at least some of the blocking
areas include cold mirrors that reflect visible light and transmit
infrared energy.
39. The assembly of claim 1 in which the control members are made
of plastic and the light-blocking areas are prepared by extruding
the appropriate light-blocking materials into the light-blocking
areas.
40. The assembly of claim 1 in which at least some of the
light-blocking surfaces block UV and visible light and transmit
infrared energy.
41. The assembly of claim 1 in which the transmitting areas block
UV light while transmitting visible light.
42. The assembly of claim 1 in which the blocking areas transmit UV
radiation while reflecting visible light and infrared
radiation.
43. The assembly of claim 1 in which the blocking areas absorb UV
radiation while reflecting visible light and infrared
radiation.
44. The assembly of claim 1 including generally flat transparent or
translucent interior and exterior panels spaced from each other
with the first and second control members being generally planar
and mounted for generally parallel movement between the interior
and exterior panels.
45. The assembly of claim 44 in which the exterior and/or the
interior panels are made of light transmitting plastic.
46. The assembly of claim 44 in which the exterior and/or the
interior panels are made of extruded cellular polycarbonate.
47. The assembly of claim 45 in which the cells of the cellular
extruded polycarbonate have a honeycomb or rectangular cross
section.
48. The assembly of claim 45 in which the exterior and interior
panels are made of glass.
49. The assembly of claim 45 in which at least one of the interior
or the exterior panels serves as a control member with transmitting
and blocking areas.
50. The assembly of claim 1 in which the light-blocking areas are
prepared by a process chosen of the group consisting of silk
screening, painting, lamination, and co-extrusion.
51. The assembly of claim 1 in which the control members comprise
thin metal sheets or opaque plastic sheets.
52. The assembly of claim 51 in which the transmitting areas
comprise a plurality of perforations in the first and second planar
control members.
53. The assembly of claim 52 in which the perforations have a
geometric shape chosen from the group consisting of circular,
square, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal.
54. An assembly for controlling the passage of radiant energy
through a skylight, a roof or a wall comprising: at least two
linked planar control members positioned across the defined region,
the control members being mounted for generally parallel linked
movement relative to each other between a closed position and an
open position; and a first plurality of transmitting areas and
blocking areas in a first control member and a second plurality of
transmitting areas and blocking areas in a second control member,
the respective transmitting areas and blocking areas of the first
and second control members being sized, shaped and positioned so
that the transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned
with the blocking areas of the second control member when the
members are in the closed position and the transmitting areas of
the first control member are aligned with the transmitting areas of
the second control member when the panels are in the open position;
and a motorized motion unit for imparting relative movement between
the control members.
55. A method for controlling the passage of radiant energy through
a defined region comprising: providing at least two linked control
members positioned across the defined region, the control members
being mounted for generally parallel linked movement relative to
each other between a closed position and an open position; a first
plurality of transmitting areas and blocking areas in a first
control member and a second plurality of transmitting areas and
blocking areas in a second control member, the respective
transmitting areas and blocking areas of the first and second
control members being sized, shaped and positioned so that the
transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned with the
blocking areas of the second control member when the members are in
the closed position and the transmitting areas of the first control
member are aligned with the transmitting areas of the second
control member when the panels are in the open position, and a
motorized motion unit for imparting relative movement between the
control members; adjusting the relative position of all of the
control members by imparting movement through the motion unit to
one of the control members to thereby vary the passage of radiant
energy through the defined region.
56. The method of claim 55 in which the control members are planar,
in which there are only two control members and in which the
movement of a first control member in a first direction by the
motion unit imparts a generally parallel movement in the opposite
direction of the second control member.
57. A panel system capable of controlling the passage of radiant
energy comprising: a plurality of glazing panel system units, each
unit having interior and exterior glazing panels; at least two
control members associated with each glazing panel system unit,
where at least one control member is movable, the control members
being mounted for generally parallel movement relative to each
other between a closed position and an open position; a first
plurality of transmitting areas and blocking areas in a first
control member and a second plurality of transmitting areas and
blocking areas in a second control member, the respective
transmitting areas and blocking areas of the first and second
control members being sized, shaped and positioned so that the
transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned with the
blocking areas of the second control member when the members are in
the closed position and the transmitting areas of the first control
member are aligned with the transmitting areas of the second
control member when the panels are in the open position; a motion
control device; and a linkage between a movable control member
associated with each of the glazing panel system units and the
motion control device.
58. The panel system of claim 57 in which one of the glazing panels
comprises a control member.
59. The panel system of claim 57 in which the glazing panel system
units include a series of adjacent elongated cells and the control
members are disposed in the cells.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention pertains to devices for controlling the
passage of radiant energy into architectural structures and, more
particularly, to systems using two or more generally parallel
members for controlling the passage of radiant energy through a
defined region and into an architectural structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Prior approaches to controlling the level of solar radiation
passing into architectural structures have been unduly complex and
expensive, and of only limited usefulness. For example, louver
blind assemblies using pivoting flexible members operable within a
double-glazed window unit have been suggested for this purpose.
Such louver blinds require substantial support of the flexible
members which, additionally, are typically controlled from both
their distal and their proximal ends. Furthermore, louver blinds
cannot achieve complete light block-out, are difficult and
expensive to assemble, apply, operate, maintain and replace, and
cannot be readily adapted for use in non-vertical applications or
in large glazed roofing areas.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention is an assembly for controlling the passage of
radiant energy through a defined region. It includes at least two
control members positioned across the defined region and mounted
for generally parallel movement relative to each other between a
closed position and an open position. The defined region may be,
for example, a portion or the entirety of a skylight, a roof or a
wall.
[0004] The control members each have a plurality of transmitting
areas and blocking areas. When two control members are used, the
respective transmitting areas and blocking areas of the first and
second control members are sized, shaped and positioned so that the
transmitting areas of the first control member are aligned with the
blocking areas of the second control member when the two members
are in a fully closed position. When the two members are in a fully
open position, the transmitting areas of the first control member
are aligned with the transmitting areas of the second control
member. In a preferred embodiment, the control members are
continuously variable between the fully open and fully closed
positions to continuously vary the amount of radiant energy passing
through the assembly. Also, the defined region may be planar or
curved, and rectangular or of any other desired geometric shape
such as triangular or circular. Finally, when the control members
are positioned across a defined region comprising a portion or the
entirety of a wall, the wall may be vertical or angled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The features of this invention that are believed to be novel
are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
invention, together with its objects and advantages, may be best
understood by reference to the following description, taken in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference
numerals identify like elements in the Figures, and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top view of a control assembly in
accordance with the present invention mounted in a defined region
of a roof;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a curved control
assembly in accordance with the present invention mounted across a
curved defined region;
[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two control members for use in
the practice of the present invention in the form of planar rigid
rectangular panels of generally the same shape and dimensions;
[0009] FIGS. 3C-3E illustrate the panels of FIGS. 3A and 3B viewed
from the top of the upper panel of the pair and mounted for
generally parallel movement relative to each other in a series of
different relative positions;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic end view of two panels in
accordance with the present invention spaced from each other;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic end view of two panels in
accordance with the present invention and an intervening member of
a reduced coefficient of friction positioned between the
corresponding faces of the panels;
[0012] FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrammatic side views of panels in
accordance with the present invention in varying relative positions
in which the light blocking strips are slightly wider than the
light transmitting strips to ensure full overlap in the fully
closed position (FIG. 6C);
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of portions of two panels in accordance
with the present invention, with columns of alternating light
blocking and light transmitting areas;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top view of portions of two panels as in FIG. 7
where the columns of alternating light blocking and light
transmitting areas are differently arranged;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates portions of two metallic or opaque
plastic panels in accordance with the present invention where
perforations are arranged in the panels so that they may be aligned
in a fully open position, partially overlapping in intermediate
positions, and fully blocked by unperforated metal or plastic areas
in a fully closed position;
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates portions of panels in accordance with
the present invention generally as described with respect to FIG. 9
except that the perforations are in the form of elongated
slots;
[0017] FIGS. 11A-11C are diagrammatic representations of a series
of four panels in accordance with the present invention in a fully
open position (FIG. 11A), in an intermediate partially-opened
position (FIG. 11B), and a fully closed position (FIG. 11C);
[0018] FIGS. 11D and 11E are top views of the topmost two panels
illustrated in the diagrammatic representations of FIGS.
11A-11C;
[0019] FIGS. 11F-11H are top views of the system of panels as
represented respectively in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C;
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates two panels attached to a motorized
motion control device;
[0021] FIG. 13 shows a panel system unit comprising interior and
exterior glazing panels and a light controlling assembly generally
as described with respect to FIG. 12 positioned therein;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a top view of a series of laterally-positioned
pairs of glazing panels in accordance with FIG. 13;
[0023] FIG. 15 is an alternate embodiment to that of FIG. 12 in
which the light controlling assembly includes only one movable
control panel provided with light blocking and light transmitting
areas and corresponding light blocking and transmitting areas in
the bottom stationary glazing panel of the panel system unit;
[0024] FIGS. 15A-15C show respectively linked control panels in
accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 16A shows an embodiment of the invention in which
intersecting guides are provided in the adjacent surfaces of
adjacent panels;
[0026] FIG. 16B is a side view taken along line 16B-16B in which
the intersecting guides are in the form of corresponding saw
patterns;
[0027] FIG. 16C is a side view taken along line 16B-16B in which
the intersecting guides are in the form of corresponding
longitudinal undercut notches;
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates a panel in accordance with the present
invention in which the light blocking areas are of varying
density;
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates a panel in accordance with the present
invention in which the blocking areas comprise 3D gratings;
[0030] FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate translucent glazing panels
having elongated cells and narrow light controlling panels
positioned within the cells;
[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment to the system
as described with respect to FIG. 19, where an additional retaining
wall is provided in the cells to create narrow subchambers to
confine the narrow sliding light blocking panels;
[0032] FIG. 21 is an alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS.
19A, 19B and 20 in which each of the sliding light controlling
members are confined in their own elongated cells within the
translucent glazing panels; and
[0033] FIG. 22 is a graph of the infrared transmission performance
of Acrylic Sheet 2711.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The following examples further illustrate the invention but
should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.
[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.
1, a control assembly 10 is shown mounted in a defined region 12 in
a roof 14 to control the passage of radiant energy through the
defined region. Although this embodiment illustrates the mounting
of the control assembly across a generally planar defined region, a
curved control assembly 16 may also be mounted across a curved
defined region 18, such as the curved skylight 20 of roof 22 as
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0036] Turning now to FIGS. 3A-3E, on assembly 30 in accordance
with the invention is illustrated in an embodiment including two
control members in the form of planar rigid rectangular panels 32
and 34 of generally the same shape and dimensions. These panels are
mounted for generally parallel movement relative to each other (in
direction A) between a fully closed position (FIG. 3E) and a fully
open position (FIG. 3C). The relative positions of the control
members are continuously variable between the fully open and closed
positions to continuously vary the amount of radiant energy passing
through the assembly. For example, a half-open intermediate
position is illustrated in FIG. 3D.
[0037] The parallel relative movement can be accomplished, for
example, by positioning opposite edges of the panels 32A, 32B and
34A, 34B in parallel tracks for sliding movement, using sliding
mechanisms known in the art. Alternatively, the panels can be
laterally confined as desired and moved longitudinally (direction
A). Also, the panels can be generally confined in individual cells
laterally and optionally on their top and bottom surfaces. Such
arrangements are described below in the discussions of the
embodiments of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20 and 21. Finally, one of panels 32
or 34 may be fixed in place (e.g. panel 32A) and the other panel
(e.g. panel 34A) mounted in its own cell or not as desire and
arranged for generally parallel sliding movement with respect to
the fixed panel.
[0038] Panels 32 and 34 have corresponding adjacent faces 32C and
34C, are illustrated in FIG. 4. The corresponding faces may be
spaced from each other (as shown in FIG. 4) or they may abut. In
another embodiment, that intervening means may be disposed between
the abutting faces. For example, one or both the abutting faces may
have a low coefficient of friction surface such as would be
provided by a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon.RTM.) coating or a
separate intervening transparent or translucent member 36 with a
reduced coefficient of friction may be positioned between the
abutting faces as illustrated in FIG. 5. This transparent or
translucent member may be fixed in place with one or both of the
panels moving relative to the transparent or translucent member or
the transparent or translucent member may be fixed to one of the
panels. Also, it may comprise a single sheet or two or more
separate preferably narrow bands. The transparent or translucent
member may be made, for example, of polycarbonate.
[0039] The control members (e.g. panels 32 and 34) may be generally
rigid and planar, or one or both of the control members may be
flexible. Whether rigid or flexible, at least one of the panels may
be mounted to insure the generally parallel relative slideable
movement between the control members. The control members may be
made, for example, from plastic, fiberglass, fabric, metal or glass
or other appropriate material. If fabric is used, it may be
vinyl-coated polyester yarn and polytetrafluoroethylene fabric. If
plastic is used, it may be polycarbonate, acrylic, PVC,
thermoplastic, or nylon. These panels may vary in width from about
two inches to as wide as desired and may be of any desired length.
It is currently preferred that the panels be about 2 to 5 feet wide
and 10 to 50 feet long. The control members should be a desired
thickness acceptable for the application chosen. In preferred
embodiments, the control members will be less than about 1 mm in
thickness. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures
discussed above (not shown to scale), panels 32 and 34 are made of
polycarbonate sheets 1 mm in thickness and are about 60 cm or 120
cm wide by 1200 cm long.
[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment the control members
will be made of a non-combustible material such as a metal like
aluminum at least about 1 mm thick. For this purpose, the term
"non-combustible" may be defined as set forth in International
Building Code 2003 and elsewhere in the Code.
[0041] The use of control members made of a non-combustible
material will delay the movement of flame and heat across the
defined region and the passage of oxygen therethrough. This helps
limit and control combustion thereby improving the fire safety of
any structure using a control assembly of the invention fitted with
control members made of a non-combustible material. Thus, it will
improve the light transmitting panel's fire performance to achieve
a Class A, B or C roof construction rating per International
Building Code 2003, and ASTM E-108.
[0042] Panels 32 and 34 are provided with a series of alternating
radiation or light transmitting areas and blocking areas
represented by blocking strips 38A and 40A and transmitting strips
38B and 40B. The light blocking areas can be created by, for
example, silk screening, painting, lamination, or co-extrusion of
light blocking and light transmission areas. For purposes of
illustration particularly in FIGS. 3A-3E and 11A-11H, the blocking
strips on one panel are shown with acutely angled hatch lines and
blocking strips on the other panel are shown with obtusely angled
hatch lines. In FIGS. 3A-3E, the light blocking strips can be, for
example, from about 5 mm to about 50 mm wide.
[0043] Additionally, the light blocking strips maybe made slightly
wider than the light transmitting strips (FIGS. 6A-6C), to produce
overlap particularly in the fully closed position of FIG. 6C where
blocking strips 42 are wider than light transmitting area 44 in
panels 46 and 48.
[0044] The term "light blocking area" is intended to refer to an
area that may be opaque, light reflecting, translucent, or
selective spectrum transmitting. The light blocking areas may be
provided with photovoltaic solar cells on their outside facing
surfaces if desired. Also, the light blocking areas may be
characterized as ranging from zero light transmission through
translucent (letting light pass but diffusing it so that objects on
one side cannot be clearly distinguished from the other side).
Additionally, the light blocking and/or the light transmitting
areas may be tinted. Typical tinting colors include white, bronze,
green, blue, and gray, although other tinting colors may be
used.
[0045] Opaque blocking areas are generally impenetrable by visible
light and preferably impenetrable by other forms of radiant energy.
Light reflecting blocking areas may also be either "cold mirror"
surfaces or other selective reflectance and/or transmittance
surfaces. Cold mirror surfaces reflect visible light. Cold mirrors
have at least one substantially solar-controlling surface wherein
the visible energy is reflected and infrared energy is transmitted
through the light controlling member. The solar-controlling surface
may be achieved by coating or extrusion techniques. Coating can be
performed using vacuum deposition or other methods known in the
industry for the construction of cold mirrors. Extrusion can be
performed by co-extrusion (from, for example acrylic or
polycarbonate of a filter layer with selective properties to
spectral transmittance). The cold mirror surface will reflect or
block -out visible light in the range of about 380 nm-780 nm (or
portions of this range) and will transmit solar radiation above
about 780 nm, as reflected, for example, in FIG. 22, which shows
the infrared transmission performance of Acrylic Sheet 2711.
[0046] "Hot mirror" surfaces may be used for the light transmitting
portions. Hot mirror surfaces reflect infrared energy and transmit
visible light. As a result, the amount of heat transferred across
the blocking areas is limited and the interior space can be
illuminated by sunlight while being kept cool and reducing the air
conditioning demand, thus reducing electrical power costs. Hot
mirror surfaces transmit light in the range of about 380 nm-780 nm
(or portions of this range) and can reflect radiation with
wavelengths greater than about 780 nm. In some cases the reflected
radiation will be in the range of about 750 nm-1100 nm. This can be
achieved by applying existing hot mirrors or by coating the panels
with solar-controlling materials in such a way that the desired
transmission-reflection curve is achieved along the blocking
strips.
[0047] The hot and cold mirror coatings may be multi-layer optical
coatings prepared by deposition, dipping, spraying or other known
techniques. Extrusion technology is another option whereby an
extrusion of a filter layer with selective spectral transmittance
is formed. Another option is a "UV hot mirror" that reflects UV and
IR radiation while transmitting the visible range (or portions of
this range).
[0048] In another embodiment the transmitting areas may be
substantially solar-controlling to block UV light while
transmitting visible light. This can be achieved by using
polycarbonate material or a UV dichroic filter that blocks
radiation with wavelengths shorter than 400 nm and transmits
visible light and/or higher spectrum radiation. In another
embodiment the solar-controlling portion transmits the UV radiation
while reflecting the visible light and/or the IR radiation. In
another preferred embodiment the solar controlling portion absorbs
UV radiation while reflecting light and infrared radiation.
[0049] In light control assembly 30 of FIGS. 3A-3E panels 32 and 34
are mounted for slideable generally parallel movement with panel 32
on top and panel 34 is on the bottom and a mechanism for sliding
the panels with respect to each other (not shown). Thus, in FIG.
3C, the two panels are positioned with their respective light
blocking strips collinear with each other. This is the "fully open"
position of the assembly, in which the transmitting strips 38B and
40B are also aligned, so that the maximum amount of light can pass
through the pair of panels.
[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate two alternative embodiments of the
invention in which the light blocking and light transmitting areas
are broken up into a series of columns. Thus, FIG. 7 shows panels
50 and 52 with respective columns 50A and 52A where each of the
columns is made up of alternating light blocking and light
transmitting areas 54 and 56 and light blocking and transmitting
areas in each adjacent column are staggered with respect to each
other to produce an interesting visual effect which will enhance
the value of control assembly. In FIG. 8, panels 58 and 60 are
provided with columns 58A and 60A of alternating light blocking and
light transmitting areas 62 and 64, but the alternating light
blocking and light transmitting areas are aligned with each other
to produce another interesting visual effect.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 9, panels 66 and 68 are shown. These
panels are metallic or opaque plastic and therefore do not pass
light through their surface except through corresponding
perforations 66A and 68A. The perforations are arranged in panels
66 and 68 so that they may be aligned or fully intersecting in a
fully-open position, fully blocked or fully intersecting by
unperforated metal or plastic areas in a fully-closed position and
only partially overlapping or intersecting in intermediate
positions. Thus, partial hole pattern alignment makes it possible
to achieve variable light transmission. Also, it is noted that in
this embodiment of the invention, in order to ensure the complete
blocking of radiation in the full closed position, the holes must
be sized and positioned so that there is sufficient opaque material
area between holes to ensure complete intersection of holes and
opaque areas in the fully closed position.
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates another pair of perforated panels 70 and
72 where the perforations 70A and 72A are a series of slots that
can be aligned and blocked as described above in connection with
the embodiment of FIG. 9. As indicated above, when (perforated)
metal panels are used the fire resistance of the overall system
will be enhanced. For example, when plastic glazing systems as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,129 and below are used, the
penetration of heat and fire across the glazing system will be
substantially delayed by the metal.
[0053] Also, where a perforated configuration is used, the shape of
the perforations or holes may of course vary so long as the ability
to align the openings in the fully open position is maintained. For
example, the perforations may be circular, square, rectangular,
triangular, polygonal or any other regular or irregular shape.
[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 11A-H, a light controlling assembly 80
is shown made up of four panels 82, 84, 86 and 88 with respective
light blocking areas 82A, 84A, 86A and 88A and respective light
transmitting areas 82B, 84B, 86B and 88B. This system is shown in
the fully-open position in FIGS. 11A and 11F, in the fully-closed
position in FIGS. 11C and 11H, and in an intermediate
partially-open position in FIGS. 11B and 11G. It is noted in this
connection, that when two panels are used, each is able to block
50% of the incoming light, and the light transmitting range of the
assembly is from about 0 to 50%. When three panels are used, each
with light blocking areas able to block one-third of the light, the
light transmission range of the assembly will run from 0 to 66.6%.
When four panels are used, each with light blocking areas able to
block 25% of the incoming light, the system of four panels will
allow a light blocking range from about 0 to 75%. This pattern, of
course, will extend to ever-increasing maximum light transmission
capability as the number of panels is increased and the width of
their respective light blocking areas decreased.
[0055] Also, the panels can be interconnected or linked so that
direct manual or automatic motion control of one panel will be
imparted to the other panels. For example, a series of four control
members in the form of panels 91A, 91B, 91C and 91D may be linked
as shown in FIG. 15A. Panel 91A in this arrangement acts as the
master panel and panels 91B-91D act as the slave panels in an array
of control members. Thus, the force B applied longitudinally to
panel 90A moved that panel to the right in the figure until pin 93A
contacted the right edge of slot 94B in panel 91B whereupon the
longitudinal force moved pin 93B in slot 95C and then pin 93C in
slot 95D. As a result, the force B applied to a single panel (panel
91A) was transmitted to all linked panels to move the assembly
between fully opened and fully closed positions. A longitudinal
force applied oppositely to force B will of course move the
assembly in the opposite direction to close an open assembly or to
open a closed assembly depending on the arrangement of the light
transmitting and light blocking areas of the control members. Also,
the panels may be linked in other ways known in the art including,
for example, with pivoting linkages between panels or with gearing.
In preferred embodiments, it is anticipated that up to 6 to 10
slave panels will be linked to a single motor driven master
panel.
[0056] FIG. 15B shows another embodiment of the invention in which
panels 97A and 97B are attached by a link 99, mounted for rotation
over an intermediate pivot point 101. The link is rotatably
attached to panels 97A and 97B at points 103A and 103B. This
arrangement ensures any movement of panel 97A due to the
application of force in direction C to that panel will produce
movement in the opposite direction of panel 97B. Thus, a movement
of, for example, 1 cm in direction C of panel 97A will produce a
like corresponding movement in the opposite direction of panel 97B
for a total relative movement of the panels of 2 cm. More than two
panels may be linked in this way as shown in FIG. 15C.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows panels 32 and 34 attached to a motorized
motion control device 90 by way of a linking member 92. The linking
member is attached to edge 94 of panel 32 while panel 34 is fixed
in place at its edge 96. The motion control device 90 moves the
panels back and forth along axis A to vary the light passing
through the light controlling assembly 30 as described earlier. The
motion control device 90 may be controlled by using sunlight
sensing control means known in the art such as the Sun Tracking
Automated ControLite.RTM. available from CPI Daylighting of 28662
Ballard Drive, Lake Forest, Ill. 60045. With this device a user
sets the desired light levels at an electronic control unit, and
the system uses sensors to monitor the position of the sun and
interior light levels. An intelligent controller with motorized
operators can then automatically adjust the light controlling
assembly to maintain the desired light level throughout the
day.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 13, the panels and associated motion
control of FIG. 12 are shown mounted in a dual glazing panel system
unit 100 comprising two glazing panels: interior panel 104 and
exterior panel 102. Examples of such dual glazing panel systems are
described in the following U.S. patents and publication, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference: 2004/0256000;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,164,024; 5,437,129; and 4,573,300.
[0059] Glazing panels 102 and 104 can be made of plastic or glass,
and may be transparent or translucent. They also may be made from
cellular extruded polycarbonate or as described for example in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,895,701. Panels 102 and 104 are generally parallel and
are separated by elongated spacer rails 106. While panels 102 and
104 may be of any desired width, currently preferred widths are 24,
36, 48 and 60 inches. Also, while the panels may also be any
desired length, it is currently preferred that panels about 2 feet
to 60 feet in length.
[0060] FIG. 14 shows a series of laterally-positioned pairs of dual
glazing panels 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D and 100E each fitted in
accordance with the present invention (light blocking and light
transmitting areas of control members not shown). The separate
assemblies for controlling radiant energy may be in the form of
"cartridges" that are designed and dimensioned to be "loaded"
easily into laterally-positioned pairs of dual glazing panels as
described in connection with FIG. 13. These cartridges may comprise
pairs of control members or panels as described, for example, in
connection with FIGS. 3A-3E, or more than two control members as
described in connection with FIGS. 11A-11H. They may also comprise
a single control member with light blocking and transmitting areas
designed to cooperate with corresponding light blocking and
transmitting areas in one of the pair of stationary glazing panels
as described below in connection with FIG. 15. Where two or more
control members are used they preferably will be linked, as
described for example in connection with FIG. 15A. In all cases one
control member edge will include a linking member like linking
member 92 of FIG. 12 to enable the light controlling system to be
opened and closed by the application of force at that edge. While
the individual cartridges may each have their own motion control
device (like motorized motion control device 90 of FIG. 12),
preferably the linking members of groupings of cartridges or of all
of the cartridges will be attached to a common linkage (e.g. 101 in
FIG. 14) which is in turn connected to a single motion control
device (e.g. 103 in FIG. 14). The single motion control device will
thereby be able to control the passage of radiation through a
multitude of panel system units. Finally, a series of control
members may be associated with adjacent elongated cells, as
described below for example in connection with FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20
or 21, and the control members (or "cartridges") associated with a
plurality of cells may be linked to and controlled by a common
motion control device as described in connection with FIG. 14.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows an alternate glazing panel arrangement similar
to that of FIG. 13, having interior and exterior panels 152 and 154
in which only one movable control panel 150 is provided with light
blocking and light transmitting areas as described earlier and
corresponding light blocking and transmitting areas in the bottom
stationary glazing panel 154.
[0062] In yet another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16A
intersecting guides are provided in adjacent surfaces 164 and 166
of control members or panels 160 and 162. Thus, FIG. 16B represents
one configuration of intersecting guides in the form of
corresponding saw patterns 168 and 170 which ensure consistent
parallel movement of the control members. FIG. 16C represents
another configuration of intersecting guides in the form of
corresponding longitudinal undercut notches 170 in control member
160 and corresponding upstanding undercut bars 172 in control
member 162. Other intersecting guide configurations could of course
be used. The views of 16B and 16C are enlarged relative to the
panel system as shown in FIG. 16A.
[0063] FIG. 17 shows a panel 180 with light blocking areas of
varying density. Thus, light blocking area 182 is 100% opaque,
light blocking area 184 is 75% opaque and light blocking area 186
is 25% opaque. This produces a unique variable lighting visual
effect that will be desirable in selected applications.
[0064] FIG. 18 shows panels 190 and 192 with corresponding 3D
grating blocking areas 194 and 196 which will produce another
custom lighting effect. In this case the visual effect will
continuously vary.
[0065] FIGS. 19A and 19B show translucent glazing panels 200 and
202 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,255, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference. In FIG. 19A, narrow light
controlling panels 204 and 206 are positioned within elongated
cells 208 in lieu of the rotatable radiation blocking members of
the '255 patent. In FIG. 19B, a single moveable panel 210 is
provided with light blocking and light transmitting areas as
described earlier and corresponding light blocking and transmitting
areas are provided in the bottom wall 212 of each elongated cell.
Sliding motion is applied to the panels to vary the light passing
therethrough as described above in connection with the earlier
embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 20, an additional retaining
wall 214 is provided in the cells to create narrow subchambers 216
that confine the narrow sliding light blocking panels 218 and 220.
Finally, in FIG. 21, narrow sliding light blocking panels 222 and
224 are confined at both of at their lateral edges 222A, 222B, 224A
and 224B and at their top and bottom surfaces 222C, 222D, 224C and
224D in a series of separate elongated cells 226 and 228.
[0066] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0067] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to
better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on
the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in
the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0068] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated
embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *