US4475031A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar-powered sun sensitive window
Assignee: Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1981-04-23
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Granted: 1984-10-02
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Expires: 2001-04-23
Abstract
Abstract A self-contained sun sensitive window made up of liquid nematic crystals sandwiched between two transparent conductors is powered directly by a solar cell. An increase in light intensity upon the solar cell reduces the transparency of the window, resulting in a constant intensity behind the window.
Inventors
- 👤 John Mockovciak, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:29
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/13306; G02F1/13318; E; E06; E06B; E06B3/00; E06B3/66; E06B3/67; E06B3/6715; E06B3/6722; E06B9/00; E06B9/24; E06B2009/2464; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A self-contained, sun sensitive window comprising: a solar cell which outputs an electric current proportional to incident sunlight; passive voltage regulator means for converting the electric current output by the solar cell to a high DC voltage output; a pair of transparent plates placed parallel to each other; a closure placed between the plates such that the plates form a closed cavity; a pair of transparent, electrically conductive coatings on a pair of facing sides of the plates, said coatings being electrically connected to the output from the voltage regulator means; and a quantity of electro-optical modulating material filling the cavity between the plates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A self-contained, sun sensitive window comprising: a solar cell which outputs an electric current proportional to incident sunlight; passive voltage regulator means for converting the electric current output by the solar cell to a high DC voltage output; a pair of transparent plates placed parallel to each other; a closure placed between the plates such that the plates form a closed cavity; a pair of transparent, electrically conductive coatings on a pair of facing sides of the plates, said coatings being electrically connected to the output from the voltage regulator means; and a quantity of electro-optical modulating material filling the cavity between the plates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 which further comprises a switch means for breaking the electrical connection between the voltage regulator and one of the conductive coatings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the voltage regulator means comprises a blocking oscillator having a transformer with a primary winding connected to the solar cell and a secondary winding having a larger number of turns than the primary winding, said primary and secondary windings being arranged in a circuit such that the current output by the solar cell intermittently flows through the primary winding in a sawtooth wave form, whereby a high voltage is induced in the secondary winding.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the electro-optical modulating material comprises a nematic liquid crystal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-02 | 1988-04-02 | 1988-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-02 | 1992-04-02 | 1992-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-02 | 1996-04-02 | 1996-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |