New friendly device with UV spectrum patterns

Abstract

In the present invention, bird-friendly glass within a window is configured to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into it. To this end, the glass is preferably a layered structure having an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outer layers. Specifically, the intermediate layer may be attached to the inner surface of the outer layer and to the inner surface of the inner layer. To protect birds, the intermediate layer comprises one or more ultraviolet-absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under illumination with ultraviolet light (e.g., radiation). Ideally, the goal is to keep the glass sufficiently transparent to people while making it visible to birds. Above all, the ultraviolet-absorbing coating(s) may include a light-emitting element for inclusion in a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) to perform solar power generation. The bird-friendly intermediate layer can achieve the dual purpose of serving as both bird-friendly glass and a power generator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] preference

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 610,952 filed on December 15, 2023, under the title of "Bird Friendly Interlayer Film for Laminated Glass with UVA Spectral Patterns," by naming Douglas H. Axtell, Jason U. Wallace, Nicolas C. Davy, and Adrian Winoto as inventors, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Windows pose a significant danger to birds primarily due to their reflective and transparent properties. Birds often fail to perceive clear glass as a barrier and fly into it. Reflections of the surrounding environment, such as trees, the sky, or vegetation, create the illusion of an open path. Furthermore, indoor spaces visible through the glass, such as vegetation or illuminated areas, can lure birds, further increasing the risk of collisions. These collisions frequently result in serious injury or death to the birds.

[0004] The problem is exacerbated during the migratory season, when large numbers of birds pass through urban and suburban areas. Buildings with extensive glass facades, particularly those featuring large windows or reflective coatings, pose a particular risk. Studies show that millions of birds die each year from collisions with windows, making this a significant cause of bird mortality.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bird-friendly intermediate layer comprises a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The bird-friendly intermediate layer also comprises an ultraviolet absorbing material on the first surface of the substrate. The ultraviolet absorbing material is configured to produce one or more spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination. The transparent flexible substrate is configured to abut a first substantially flat glass pane on the first surface and a second substantially flat glass pane on the second surface. The ultraviolet absorbing material may include a luminophore.

[0006] The ultraviolet absorption material may include a first material of a contiguous ultraviolet absorption coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of a substrate.

[0007] The ultraviolet absorbing material may include a second material having a second absorption spectrum applied to a first material. The second material may have a pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features. The pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features and the continuous ultraviolet absorbing material may provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast.

[0008] A substrate may be impregnated with an ultraviolet absorbing dye having a first absorption spectrum uniformly and continuously throughout its bulk. The ultraviolet absorbing material may include a first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorbing coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of the substrate. The ultraviolet absorbing material may also include a pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features having a second absorption spectrum deposited on the ultraviolet absorbing material. The pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features and the continuous ultraviolet absorbing coating may provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast.

[0009] One or more UV-absorbing coatings may include light-emitting units. UV-absorbing dyes and UV-absorbing coatings may include light-emitting units.

[0010] Patterns of ultraviolet absorption features and continuous ultraviolet absorption coatings can be deposited by a gravure cylinder.

[0011] A transparent flexible substrate may include a first ultraviolet absorption coating having a first ultraviolet absorption spectrum on a first surface. The transparent flexible substrate may further include a second ultraviolet absorption coating having a second ultraviolet absorption spectrum on a second surface. The second surface may face the first surface. One or both of the first ultraviolet absorption coatings or the second ultraviolet absorption film may have a pattern.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bird-friendly device comprises an outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, an inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, and a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer, and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises one or more ultraviolet-absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination.

[0013] One or more UV-absorbing coatings include a light-emitting group.

[0014] One or more ultraviolet absorption coatings may comprise a first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorption coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of a substrate, and may comprise a second material having a second absorption spectrum applied to the first material. The second material may have a pattern of ultraviolet absorption features. The pattern of ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorption material may provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast.

[0015] A substrate may be impregnated with an ultraviolet absorbing dye having a first absorption spectrum uniformly and continuously throughout its bulk. The ultraviolet absorbing material may include a first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorbing coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of the substrate. The pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features may have a second absorption spectrum deposited on the ultraviolet absorbing material. The pattern of ultraviolet absorbing features and the continuous ultraviolet absorbing coating may provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast.

[0016] One or more UV-absorbing coatings may include light-emitting units. UV-absorbing dyes and UV-absorbing coatings may include light-emitting units.

[0017] A transparent flexible substrate may include a first ultraviolet absorption coating having a first ultraviolet absorption spectrum on a first surface and a second ultraviolet absorption coating having a second ultraviolet absorption spectrum on a second surface. The second surface may face the first surface. One or both of the first ultraviolet absorption coatings or the second ultraviolet absorption film may have a pattern.

[0018] UV-absorbing coatings may include light-emitting sections that emit light that is guided to the edges of the device. The edges of the device may be fitted with photovoltaic cells and used as light-emitting solar concentrators to generate power.

[0019] UV-absorbing dyes and coatings include light-emitting units that emit light that can be guided to the edges of the device. The edges of the device are fitted with photovoltaic cells and can be used as light-emitting solar concentrators to generate power.

[0020] The outer layer may be a submillimeter-thick glass piece having a thickness range of 30 micrometers to 20 millimeters. Spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination may be on a first surface of a transparent flexible substrate so as close as possible to the outer surface of the device.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bird-friendly integrated glass unit comprises an outer plate of laminated glass comprising an outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, an inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, and a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer, and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises one or more ultraviolet absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination. The bird-friendly integrated glass unit also comprises a gap filled with vacuum, air, or an inert gas, and an inner plate of glass. The outer plate of glass and the inner plate of glass are secured together in an airtight manner.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bird-friendly integrated glass unit comprises an outer plate of laminated glass comprising an outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, an inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, and a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer, and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises a film of an ultraviolet-absorbing dye and a film comprising light-emitting ends that emit light guided to the edges of the laminated glass. The films of the ultraviolet-absorbing dye and coating are configured to provide bird-friendly patterns.

[0023] The edges of the laminated glass are fitted with photovoltaic cells to generate power using them as luminescent solar concentrators. The bird-friendly integrated glass unit also includes an inner plate of glass and a gap between the outer plate of the laminated glass and the inner plate of glass. The bird-friendly integrated glass unit also includes bird-friendly patterns and electrical contacts for harvesting power generated from the laminated glass functioning as a luminescent solar concentrator. The gap is vacuumed or filled with air or an inert gas, and the outer plate of the laminated glass and the inner plate of glass are secured to each other in an airtight manner.

[0024] The outer layer may be a submillimeter-thick piece of glass with a thickness range of 30 micrometers to 10 millimeters. The inner plate of the glass is fixed to the outer plate of the laminated glass in an airtight manner.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a new friendly integrated glass unit comprises the step of applying a first ultraviolet (UV) material to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer. The UV material is a UV radiation absorber.

[0026] The method also includes the step of attaching a first side of an intermediate layer to an inner surface of a first outer layer. The first outer layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface.

[0027] The method also includes the step of attaching a second side of an intermediate layer to an inner surface of an inner layer, wherein the second surface of the inner layer faces a first surface.

[0028] The intermediate layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form an integrated glass unit.

[0029] The first ultraviolet (UV) material can be a emitting single.

[0030] The method may further include the step of applying a second UV material to the first UV layer. The second UV material may include patterns of shapes including at least one of bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, grids, crosshatches, squares, dots, or other shapes.

[0031] At least one of the first UV material or the second UV material may be applied as a film. At least one of the first UV material or the second UV material applied as thin films may be applied by a gravure printing process.

[0032] The outer layer and the inner layer may comprise glass material. The method may further include the step of securing an inner plate of glass to the outer surface of the inner layer of the integrated glass unit in an airtight manner.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a bird-friendly device comprises the steps of: applying a first ultraviolet (UV) material to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer—the first UV material is a UV radiation absorber—and applying a second ultraviolet (UV) material to a second side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a second side of an intermediate layer—the second UV material is a UV radiation absorber. The intermediate layer has a first ultraviolet (UV) material on the first side and a second ultraviolet (UV) material on the second side of the intermediate layer.

[0034] A third ultraviolet (UV) material may be applied to the first ultraviolet (UV) material or the second ultraviolet (UV) material. The method may further include the step of attaching a first side of the intermediate layer to the inner surface of the outer layer. The outer layer may have an outer surface facing the inner surface.

[0035] The method may further include the step of attaching a second side of the intermediate layer to the inner surface of the inner layer. The inner layer may have an outer surface facing the inner surface. The intermediate layer may be interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer in an airtight manner to form an integrated glass unit.

[0036] The transparent flexible substrate may include a film of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The transparent flexible substrate may include a film of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0037] Those skilled in the art will more fully understand the advantages of the various embodiments of the invention from the following "Description of Exemplary Embodiments" discussed with reference to the drawings summarized immediately below. FIG. 1a schematically illustrates an exploded view of laminated glass showing various layers involved in formation according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1b schematically illustrates an example of laminated glass having two UV materials, each having different wavelengths, according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1c illustrates a part of a roll coating process according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 illustrates human color sensitivity to illustrate how an 80 nm change in absorption will be perceived according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3a illustrates the absorption spectra of two different dyes according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3b illustrates the combined absorption of two different dyes according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4a illustrates the pairing of absorption spectra of two UV-absorbing materials having high visible light transparency (no absorption longer than 420 nm) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4b illustrates different pairings of absorption spectra of two UV-absorbing materials having high visible light transparency (no absorption longer than 420 nm) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4c schematically illustrates the effect of overlapping two filters containing different materials according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5a illustrates a two-dye system having significantly different peak absorptions according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5b illustrates a three-dye system capable of providing 3-D shading and color according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6a illustrates an unshaded 3-D drawing according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6b illustrates how shading with two different colors, according to exemplary embodiments, can more easily depict 3-D shapes. FIG. 7a schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of laminated glass using a new friendly intermediate layer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7b schematically illustrates a drawing of a new friendly coating on an intermediate layer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7c schematically illustrates a plan view of various different patterns that can be formed as examples according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7d schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of laminated glass using another embodiment of a new friendly intermediate layer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7e schematically illustrates plan views of various different patterns that can be formed as embodiments of the present disclosure according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7f schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of laminated glass using another embodiment of a new friendly intermediate layer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7g schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of laminated glass using another embodiment of a new friendly intermediate layer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a new friendly integrated glass unit according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method for manufacturing a new friendly integrated glass unit according to exemplary embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0038] Description of exemplary embodiments

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the glass within a window or glass railing is configured to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into it. To this end, the glass is preferably a layered structure having an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. Specifically, the intermediate layer may be attached to the inner surface of the outer layer and to the inner surface of the inner layer. To protect birds, the intermediate layer comprises one or more ultraviolet-absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under illumination with ultraviolet light (e.g., radiation). Among other things, the ultraviolet-absorbing coating(s) may include a light-emitting element. Details of exemplary embodiments are discussed below.

[0040] New eco-friendly glass

[0041] "Bird-friendly," "Bird-safe," and "Bird-strike" are all terms referring to the same goal: creating glass specifically designed to act as a visible obstacle to birds. In other words, bird-safe glass must not be colorless, featureless, or completely transparent to birds. Ideally, the goal is to create glass that remains sufficiently transparent to humans while remaining visible to birds; thus, when a person looks at bird-friendly glass, it appears transparent, colorless, or nearly colorless, whereas birds can see colored, hazy, opaque, and / or patterned obstacles. Despite these requirements, birds can still fly into bird-friendly glass. Therefore, these terms are used to describe glass that significantly reduces bird strikes compared to glass that lacks features that make it more visible to birds.

[0042] Some embodiments of bird-friendly glass utilize ultraviolet (e.g., UV) absorbers, emitters, or both that absorb light in the UVA portion of the spectrum (300 nm to 450 nm) that is invisible to humans but visible to birds. In fact, birds can see light in the UVA and near-ultraviolet (near UV) spectra. This entire range of UV radiation wavelengths is generally described as being in the 100-450 nm range and is further subdivided into bands with increasingly shorter wavelengths (e.g., higher energies). These UV bands include UVA (300-450 nm), UVB (280-300 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm). The inventors recognized the problem of bird collisions and also the fact that many birds perceive UVA wavelengths that are invisible to humans. Using these findings, the inventors intended to design panels of laminated glass (glass or other materials used in windows, such as polymers or composites). The designs of various embodiments may be referred to herein as “Integrated Glass Units” or abbreviated as IGUs. IGUs, also referred to as IGU stacks, preferably have a UVA coating that is visible to birds but invisible to people. That is, exemplary windows (e.g., laminated glass, devices, or IGUs) provide visual information to birds to prevent them from colliding with the windows, while at the same time not adding features to the glass that are unpleasant to people (and ideally, may not be visible to people).

[0043] Preferred embodiments provide visible spectral patterns that are visible to birds and perceived as obstacles, while being substantially invisible to humans. Because the patterns are designed to blend seamlessly with the glass by manipulating light, they may appear "substantially" invisible to the human eye. However, when viewed up close (e.g., under specific lighting conditions), faint differences such as subtle hue, gloss, or slight texture can be noticed. These variations are often minimal and designed to be virtually imperceptible under typical observation conditions, making the coating almost indistinguishable from the glass itself.

[0044] Photovoltaic Power from New Friendly Glass

[0045] Additionally, in some embodiments, the bird-friendly product within the laminated glass or IGU stack may also be used for solar power generation. The ultraviolet absorbers may also be light-emitting units that absorb light in the UVA portion of the spectrum while simultaneously emitting light to be guided to the edges of the window. This arrangement allows the laminated glass or IGU stack to perform solar power generation while remaining bird-friendly. Thus, exemplary embodiments can achieve the dual purpose of being bird-friendly glass and a light-emitting photovoltaic collector (LSC) for solar power generation.

[0046] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the absorbers within the pattern may also absorb a certain amount of visible light to enhance their appearance as obstacles to birds, while the coverage, feature size, and / or optical density in the visible spectrum may be sufficiently minimal so as not to be unpleasant to people. The integration of some of these visible light absorbers may also include light-emitting units to enable the simultaneous generation of photovoltaic power in laminated glass or IGU stacks.

[0047] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer material may comprise a first UV material comprising a layer of a light-emitting material film that absorbs a first UV wavelength and emits (e.g., radiates) radiation of a first emission wavelength. The same intermediate layer material may comprise a second light-emitting material that absorbs a second UV wavelength and emits a second emission wavelength. The second light-emitting material may be discontinuous (i.e., non-continuous) with or on the first light-emitting material, and the second wavelength material may be arranged as a patterned, semi-patterned, or random discontinuous layer. The discontinuous second light-emitting material may be applied, deposited, bonded, attached, etc. to the first light-emitting material in predetermined shapes or patterns. Alternatively, the second light-emitting material may be continuous with or on the first light-emitting material.

[0048] Various approaches, such as fritting, engraving, silk-screening, and gravure printing, can be incorporated to deposit thin reflective polymer 'sequins' or other shapes to disperse the reflectivity of the glass and create patterns that signal the presence of the glass to birds. Regarding spacing, alternative methods may follow the "2x4 rule" or "2x2 rule," which form effective designs. Designs involving silk-screening, engraving, coating, fritting, or marking are added across the entire plate (e.g., the first or second layer) at intervals of 2 inches horizontally and 4 inches vertically. Studies have shown that birds typically do not attempt to fly through spaces less than 2 inches high or 4 inches wide.

[0049] Typical patterns and features on the new safety glass are also preferably located on the first surface at the top of the glass, as research has shown this to be more desirable than the layers beneath the partially reflective outermost glass. In some embodiments, the use of an ultra-thin top glass plate (e.g., an outer layer) allows the various patterns to be located much closer to this first surface.

[0050] As mentioned, in some embodiments, patterns are generated using materials that are invisible to humans but visible to birds, while simultaneously generating solar power using UV light. These patterns can be modified to change spectral absorption and visibility. They may include multiple materials, each having different spectral visibility, to cover more bird species. The patterns can also be modified in frequency, optical density, and pattern type (e.g., lines, crosshatch, logos, dots, squares, etc.). The patterns may be placed on either or both surfaces of an intermediate layer lamination film to provide spatial dimensions so that to birds, the patterns appear as 3-D objects rather than flat and very thin objects.

[0051] FIG. 1a illustrates a conceptual example of a new friendly IGU (2) according to exemplary embodiments. For this purpose, the IGU (2) is formed of a plurality of layers including an intermediate layer (6) positioned between an outer layer (8) (e.g., an outboard lite) and an inner layer (12) (e.g., an inboard lite). The outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12) may be formed from glass material, polymer material, crystalline material, etc. In some embodiments, the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12) may be formed from the same material or different materials. Additionally, the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12) may have different thicknesses or other dimensions. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer (6) also has a patterned UV-absorbing coating on at least one surface of the intermediate layer (6). The intermediate layer (6) may be positioned between the inner layer (12) and the outer layer (8).

[0052] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates various layers accompanying the formation of an exemplary IGU (2) according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the outermost surface of the outer layer is identified as surface ID 1, while the inner surface of the outer layer (8) is identified as surface ID 2. The inner surface of the inner layer is identified as surface ID 3, while the innermost surface of the inner layer for the laminated glass (2) is identified as surface ID 4. The inner surfaces of the outer layer (ID2) and the inner layer (ID3) face the bird-friendly intermediate layer (6). That is, the bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) is located (e.g., interposed) between surface ID 2 and surface ID 3.

[0053] FIG. 1a conceptually illustrates an example of a comparison between what a bird (14) can see and what a person (16) can see when looking at the laminated IGU (2) of FIG. 1a. In the conceptual example of FIG. 1a, the intermediate layer (6) is shown to have a grid pattern (18) on the upper part of the intermediate layer (6). This illustrates what a bird (14) can see when looking at the laminated glass (2). That is, because the bird's field of vision includes UVA (300-450 nm), the bird sees the grid pattern (18) formed by the UV-absorbing material on the intermediate layer (6).

[0054] In contrast, as conceptually illustrated in the lower part of the intermediate layer, since human visibility does not include UVA, a person (16) may not be able to see the UV-absorbing material. As schematically illustrated, even if a UVA grid pattern (18) is present throughout the intermediate layer (6), a bird (14) will see the grid pattern (18) formed by the UV coating, and a person (16) will not perceive the UV grid pattern (18).

[0055] Applications and uses of bird-friendly laminated glass (2) and IGUs (2) include any setting where transparent glass can be exposed to birds. This includes windows on the sides or tops of buildings or structures, as well as barriers such as transparent railings, fences, or boundaries of other spaces that may be provided for decorative or safety reasons.

[0056] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates an example of a laminated IGU (2) assembled to have an intermediate layer (6) positioned (e.g., interposed) between an outer layer (8) and an inner layer (12). As shown in FIG. 1b, in this embodiment, the intermediate layer (6) comprises two UV materials, namely a first UV material (20) and a second UV material (22). The two UV materials (20 and 22) may be applied to a transparent flexible substrate. According to some embodiments, the two UV materials (20 and 22) may absorb radiation having different wavelengths.

[0057] Although not illustrated to scale, in some embodiments, the first UV material (20) is illustrated as being thicker than the second UV material (22). In some embodiments, one or more of the UV materials included in the intermediate layer (6) may have a variable thickness to tailor a specific amount of UV transparency. That is, the amount of UV radiation absorbed by the UV material may increase or decrease depending on the thickness of the material and the absorbance of the material at the wavelength of interest, as described by the Beer-Lambert Law (e.g., Beer's Law).

[0058] In some embodiments, laminated glass (2) having an intermediate layer material (6) having two UV materials positioned between the first layer (8) and the second layer (12) may include a first UV material (20) that is extruded onto a transparent flexible substrate to form the intermediate layer material and attached thereto. The second UV material (22) may be patterned as a coating on the first UV material (20). The second UV material (20) may be attached to the inner surface (e.g., ID2) of the first layer (8) (outer layer) such that the surface of the intermediate layer facing the surface where the first and second UV materials are applied is attached to the inner surface (e.g., ID3) of the second layer (12) (e.g., inner layer). The second UV absorbing material (22) patterned on the coating on top of the extruded first UV material (20) provides contrast for saddles in UVA.

[0059] In some embodiments, UV layers may be applied to a transparent flexible substrate containing a polymer material to form an intermediate layer material using a roll coating process. The roll coating process may be a precise method for applying a coating with a uniform thickness. Some benefits of roll coating include precise control of the amount of coating applied, faster coating speeds than other coating methods, and improved UV material adhesion.

[0060] The new affinity interlayer may comprise a film of a UV-absorbing material that is deposited, grown, coated, printed, gravure-printed, offset-printed, spinned, deposited, sputtered, or cast on a transparent flexible substrate such as a polymer film. The transparent flexible substrate may have greater than 95% transparency over the visible, UVA, and UVB wavelength ranges, greater than 90% transparency over the visible, UVA, and UVB wavelength ranges, greater than 90% transparency over the visible, UVA, and UVB wavelength ranges, or greater than 85% transparency over the visible, UVA, and UVB wavelength ranges.

[0061] Laminated glass can be manufactured from glass materials including rigid flat glass, rigid plastic materials, and rigid polymers. Laminated glass can also include layers of bendable and flexible glass. Examples include Corning Willow Glass, a thin, lightweight, and flexible glass manufactured using Corning's fusion draw process. Flexible glass substrates enable the creation of thin and lightweight windows. They are characterized by their optical and surface quality, dimensional and thermal stability, and hermeticity. Flexibility is measured by its bending radius, thickness, optical properties (transparency, refractive index), mechanical strength under bending stress, surface quality, thermal stability, and dimensional stability; it can be characterized by evaluating how much it can be bent without breakage while maintaining both its optical integrity and structural form within an inherently very thin and lightweight profile.

[0062] The flexible substrate of the intermediate layer (6) may comprise a polymer film. In some embodiments, a thin film layer of a UV absorber may be applied to a polymer (e.g., plastic) film in a process such as web printing. Web printing refers to a process of printing directly onto a continuous roll of polymer film using a web printing press, which is a high-speed printing method that feeds large rolls of material through a machine for continuous printing, enabling mass production of printed polymer products. The "web" (e.g., intermediate layer web) refers to a continuous roll of plastic film that may be made of various polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or specialized blends depending on the application.

[0063] FIG. 1c illustrates a portion of the roller (28) used to create an intermediate layer (6) as part of a process for depositing UV material in a grid pattern (18), where a web (26) rolls over the roller (28). In some embodiments, one or more layers of UV material (e.g., coatings) may be applied directly onto plastic sheets in a roll format using a high-volume web press or directly onto different UV materials. Examples of common application techniques, such as those used for web printing on polymers, include flexography, gravure printing, and offset lithography, each of which has its own advantages regarding material transfer and print quality. The specific type of process involved in depositing one or more layers of UV material onto intermediate webs is optimized for a specific UV material.

[0064] In some embodiments, the polymer film (e.g., intermediate layer web (26)) may require surface treatment to improve the adhesion of UV materials to the web. Different polymers require specific materials and / or additives to be properly adhered and withstand the printing process. Additionally, depending on the materials and polymers used, special drying methods, such as UV curing, may be required to rapidly set UV materials on the plastic film (26) (e.g., intermediate layer).

[0065] In some embodiments, the film of the first UV absorbing material (20) or the second UV absorbing material (22) may have a thickness between about 100 nanometers (e.g., nm) and 5 millimeters (e.g., mm), between about 500 nm (0.5 micrometers, e.g., 0.5 um) and 1 mm (1000 um), between about 1000 nm (1 um) and 0.1 mm (100 um), or between about 5000 nm (5 um) and 0.01 mm (10 um).

[0066] A second UV absorbing material (22) may be deposited on a first UV material (20). In some embodiments, the first UV material (20) may comprise a thinner material deposited on a flexible substrate (26), and the second UV material (22) may be a thicker UV material deposited on the first UV material (20). In some embodiments, the first UV material (20) may comprise a thicker material deposited on a flexible substrate (26), and the second UV material (22) may be a thinner UV material deposited on the first UV material (20). In some embodiments, one or both of the UV materials (20 and / or 22) may be deposited using a roll process. In some embodiments, the first UV material (20) may be deposited on a first side of the plastic web (26), and the second UV material (22) may be deposited on the opposite side of the plastic web (26).

[0067] In some embodiments, one or both of the first UV material (20) or the second UV material (22) may be an extruded material. To this end, the extruded UV material may be extruded 1) directly onto the flexible substrate (26), 2) onto the first UV material (20) already existing on the flexible substrate (26), or 3) along one or more side edges of the first layer (8) and the second layer (12) paired into the space (e.g., cavity) between the previously connected first layer (8) and the second layer (12).

[0068] In some embodiments, the first UV material (20) on the intermediate layer (6) may be attached to the inner surface of the first layer (8) (e.g., ID 2) or the second layer (12) (e.g., ID 3) of the laminated glass (2). The first layer (8) and the second layer (12) of the laminated glass may be connected along one or more edges of the first layer (8) and the second layer (12) to form a space (e.g., a cavity) between the two layers. The second UV material may be extruded into the cavity formed between the first layer (8) and the second layer (12).

[0069] The perception of different wavelengths in the UV region by birds may be similar to how humans perceive different colors in the visible region. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates human color sensitivity to illustrate how an 80 nm change in absorption can typically be perceived. In this figure, the spectra are the normalized spectral sensitivities of the three types of color receptors in the human eye plotted against wavelength (along the x-axis). The wavelength difference between the short wavelength spectrum (30) and the mid wavelength spectrum (32) is approximately 80 nm. To humans, this 80 nm difference explains the visual perception of blue and green, which is a significant difference for humans. The wavelength difference between the short wavelength spectrum (30) and the long wavelength spectrum (34) is approximately 120 nm.

[0070] 2-Dye Color Systems

[0071] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate how two light-emitting elements can be coated (e.g., applied) on separate layers to enhance visibility to birds by using different patterns for each feature. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements may include dyes. That is, the light-emitting elements can achieve the dual purpose of enhancing visibility to birds as UV materials in the device and providing light-emitting solar concentrator materials. FIG. 3a illustrates the absorption spectra of two different dyes, illustrating how far apart they are from the wavelengths, showing how they appear to birds in very different apparent colors. Dye 3 has a peak absorbance (36) around 360 nm, while dye 21 has a peak absorbance (38) around 450 nm, with a difference of about 90 nm. Patterns formed including dyes 3 and 21 will appear to birds in different colors.

[0072] FIG. 3b shows the absorption spectrum (40) from the combination of dye 3 + dye 21 from FIG. 3a to show how a mixture of two dyes can appear as completely different colors to a bird. The combination of UV material dyes is similar to mixing blue and yellow to form green for human vision.

[0073] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate two different pairings of absorption spectra of two UV-absorbing materials having high visible light transparency (no absorption longer than 420 nm). These plots illustrate two different absorption spectra that appear as two different apparent "colors" to birds in order to achieve contrast for bird-friendly spectral patterns on / within the intermediate layer.

[0074] FIG. 4a shows the absorption spectra for two different UV-absorbing dyes, namely dye 1 and dye 2. Dye 1 has a peak absorbance (42) around 355 nm, and dye 2 has a peak absorbance (44) around 390 nm. These two dyes have peak absorbances that differ by about 40 nm, and this difference should be sufficient for birds to see them as two different "colors".

[0075] FIG. 4b shows the absorption spectra for two different UV-absorbing dyes, namely dye 3 and dye 36. Dye 3 has a peak absorbance (46) around 365 nm, and dye 36 has a broad absorption band (46) between about 360 nm and 390 nm. The optical absorption differences between these two dyes would be sufficient to make them appear as two different "colors" to birds.

[0076] FIG. 4c schematically illustrates the effect of superimposing two filters comprising different materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities. In this example, the first filter (50) has a darker shade and a higher optical density (e.g., lower transparency) than the second filter (52). The two filters have different spectral absorption peaks and profiles that produce different shades and optical densities. The superposition of the two filters results in an overlapping region (54) having a third shade and optical density. This illustrates the principle that by superimposing two different UV materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities, UV can produce a third UV color, such as that visible to the eyes of birds.

[0077] Additional examples illustrating color differences effective for creating bird-friendly windows are provided for 2-dye systems in FIG. 5a and for 3-dye systems in FIG. 5b. FIG. 5a illustrates a 2-dye system having significantly different peak absorptions. The dye 3 absorption spectrum (56) and the dye 18 absorption spectrum (58) have a difference of more than 80 nm, and this gap corresponds to the difference in human perception of colors as different as blue and yellow. Even a wavelength difference of more than 50 nm would appear as very different colors to a bird.

[0078] 3-Dye Color Systems

[0079] FIG. 5b illustrates a 3-dye system that can be used to provide 3-D shading and color on an essentially 2-D (e.g., two-dimensional) surface, such as the surface of an intermediate layer between two layers. The dye 3 absorption spectrum (60) has a peak absorbance around 360 nm, the dye 10 absorption spectrum (62) has a peak absorbance around 410 nm, and the dye 21 absorption spectrum (64) has a peak absorbance around 440 nm. These absorbance profiles provide sufficient differences to create designs on the intermediate layer that appear 3-D to birds.

[0080] The use of two or more colors (e.g., wavelengths) can provide more contrast to the patterns provided on the UV materials of the intermediate layer. The usefulness of using two or more colors in the design of patterns used on the UV materials of the intermediate layer is illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0081] FIG. 6a illustrates a line drawing of a cube (66) using a single material (e.g., single color) line on a solid background. In some embodiments, the single color (e.g., single UV wavelength peak) line may be made of a UV material that can be observed by a bird. The depth of the single line thickness may be customized to provide a level of contrast with the background material. In some embodiments, the background material of the first UV material may be deposited on an intermediate layer film so that the second UV material may be deposited as a single line, and thus a contrasting design provided by the first and second UV materials is present in the IGU.

[0082] FIG. 6b illustrates a shading drawing of a cube (68) using a single color line of a first UV material and adding two different additional color shades (70, 72) (e.g., different UV materials) to provide an appearance of depth to the cube. The differences between the cubes (66, 68) illustrated in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, respectively, resulting from the addition of shading with two additional colors (70, 72) to the cube (68), exemplify how adding two or more colors (e.g., UV material profiles) to the design can be used to more easily depict 3-D shapes on this flat surface and create an illusion of depth. The illusion of depth can be used to further deter birds from flying into IGUs (2) comprising disclosed bird-friendly intermediate layers formed of two or more UV-absorbing materials to increase the perception of the appearance of physical objects that birds have learned to be familiar with and avoid, thereby providing clear color contrast and spectral patterns to the bird's vision.

[0083] Technical approach for manufacturing bird-friendly laminated glass and integrated glass units (IGUs)

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more UV absorbers may be coated on a lamination intermediate layer (e.g., intermediate layer) of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and may include polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or other special mixtures depending on the UV material or other general lamination films.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first UV material may be deposited as a single intact layer covering essentially all of one or both of the surfaces of the lamination intermediate layer material (e.g., web).

[0086] In some embodiments, UV material may be patterned onto an intermediate layer using a gravure printing processor. Gravure printing involves transferring ink, dye, slurry, or any other form of transferable material from a gravure cylinder to a substrate. Gravure cylinders are typically made of steel and plated with copper, but other materials such as ceramics may also be used. A desired pattern is engraved on the cylinder, and during printing, concave cells within the surface of the cylinder are filled with the material to be applied, and then the cylinder rolls over the substrate to apply the material in the desired pattern. In some embodiments.

[0087] FIG. 7a schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a laminated glass (2) (e.g., IGU) using a new friendly intermediate layer (6) according to some embodiments. The IGU (2) comprises an outer layer (8), an inner layer (12), and an intermediate layer (6) positioned between the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12). The intermediate layer (6) comprises a lamination film (26), such as PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination film. The lamination film (26) forms an intermediate layer substrate on which a pattern of UV features (76) is deposited. Then, the patterned lamination film (26) is interposed between the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12) to form a unit of laminated glass (e.g., as a freestanding window or as a component of the IGU).

[0088] FIG. 7b schematically illustrates a drawing of another embodiment of a bird-friendly intermediate layer (6). In this case, the bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) comprises a base layer coating (e.g., a layer) of the first UV material (20) deposited on a lamination film (26). A pattern of features composed of the second UV material (22) is deposited on the base layer coating (20). In some embodiments, the first UV material (20) and the second UV material (22) are different UV materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities. In some embodiments, either or both of the first UV material (20) or the second UV material (22) may be UVA materials. In some embodiments, either or both of the first UV material (20) or the second UV material (22) may be UVB materials. In some embodiments, either or both of the first UV material (20) or the second UV material (22) may be a combination of UVA and UVB materials.

[0089] The first UV material (20) base layer and the second UV material (22) pattern of features deposited on the lamination film (26) bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) may display features having different UVA or UVB absorption wavelength spectra to provide clear color distinction to various species of birds having different spectral sensitivities. Because the base layer coating (20) and the pattern of features (22) each absorb in the UVA and / or UVB wavelength range, the layer (20) and the features (22) will be visible to birds but will not impair human visibility. Additional patterns of UV-absorbing features may include bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, crosshatches, dots, or other patterns.

[0090] In some embodiments, the base layer coating (20) may be made of a luminescent material (e.g., a luminescent group) that absorbs UV wavelengths and emits visible light, and accordingly, the base coating (20) also functions as a luminescent solar concentrator (e.g., an LSC) material. In such embodiments, the base coating also achieves a dual purpose as a bird-friendly layer and an LSC. The luminescent solar concentrators and luminescent group materials are discussed in more detail below.

[0091] FIG. 7c schematically illustrates a top view of various different patterns of UV materials deposited on a lamination film (26) that may be manufactured as examples according to some embodiments. In one embodiment (86) of the pattern of UV materials applied to the lamination film (26), a pattern of circles of the first UV material (20) is shown on a surface (87). The surface (87) may include a layer of the second UV material (22), or the surface may be the surface of the lamination film (26). In some embodiments, when the surface (87) includes the second UV material (22), the first and second UV materials may be different materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities.

[0092] In another embodiment (90) of the pattern of UV materials applied to the lamination film (26), a pattern of lines of the first UV material (20) is shown on the surface (87). The surface (87) may include a layer of the second UV material (22). In some embodiments, when the surface (87) includes the second UV material (22), the first UV material (20) and the second UV material (22) may be different materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities.

[0093] In another embodiment (94) of the pattern of UV materials applied to the lamination film (26), a pattern of lines of the first UV material (20) is shown on the surface (87). The surface (87) may include a layer of the second UV material (22). In some embodiments, when the surface (87) includes the second UV material (22), the first UV material (20) and the second UV material (22) may be different materials having different absorption peak profiles and optical densities.

[0094] FIG. 7d schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of laminated glass (2) using a new friendly intermediate layer (6) according to some embodiments. This embodiment of laminated glass (2) comprises an outer layer (8), an inner layer (12), and an intermediate layer (6) located between the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12). The intermediate layer (6) comprises a lamination film (26), such as PVB, TPU, EVA, or other general lamination film (26), which is coated on both sides with different UVA absorbing dyes and patterns. A first UV absorbing dye (102) may be applied to a first side of the lamination film (26), and a second UV absorbing dye (104) may be applied to a second side of the lamination film (26). That is, UV absorbing (e.g., UVA absorbing) dyes may be applied to each side of the PVB, TPU, EVA, or other general lamination film substrate. In some embodiments, laminated glass (2) having an intermediate layer (6) coated on both sides may function as a freestanding window or as a component of an IGU. Additionally, in some embodiments, a third UV-absorbing dye may be applied over the first UV-absorbing dye (102) or the second UV-absorbing dye (104). The third UV-absorbing dye may be the same as either or both of the dye (102) or the dye (104), or the third UV-absorbing dye may be different from both the dye (102) and the dye (104). Additionally, the third UV-absorbing dye may be applied as a continuous layer or as a pattern of features.

[0095] FIG. 7e schematically illustrates plan views of two different examples of intermediate layers (6). The embodiment illustrated in Example (106) is an approach to a bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) that is an example of adding a second UV absorber (22) (e.g., UV dye and / or material) to create contrast in the bird-friendly layer. Example (106) illustrates several different possible patterns of a second UV material (22) that can be added (e.g., applied) to a first UV absorbing layer (20) applied to a lamination film. In this example, the pattern provided by the additional (e.g., second) UV absorber (22) adds additional optical density features to form patterns that provide contrast. These patterns may be bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, grids, crosshatches, squares, dots, or other shapes.

[0096] A different embodiment illustrated in Example (110) is a bird-friendly intermediate layer approach having a pattern formed in the first UV material (20) by the absence or significant reduction of the UV absorber material in the shape of the patterns (112). In this embodiment, contrast is provided by the absence of UV dye and / or UV material in the base layer of the first UV material (20), which provides a lower optical density pattern in the first UV absorbing layer (20). In some embodiments, the deposition of the base layers of the first UV material (20) having patterns formed by the absence of UV material may include bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, grids, crosshatches, squares, dots, or other shapes.

[0097] In some embodiments, one or more ultraviolet (e.g., UV) absorbers may be coated onto a PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination film (26) with a patterned gravure cylinder to create uncoated (e.g., blank) skips, and accordingly, the window will appear to have a pattern to a bird with UVA or near-ultraviolet (e.g., violet) spectral sensitivity. The patterns may include bird silhouettes, dots, or other patterns. In some embodiments, a second coating station may apply a UV absorber emitter having different spectral absorbances. Different spectral absorbances may be achieved by different UV absorbers or by the same UV absorber present at different concentrations. In some embodiments, the second UV absorber (22) is deposited in the uncoated areas of the first layer. That is, the deposition of the second UV absorber (22) is aligned with the blank areas within the first coating applied to the first UV material (20).

[0098] In some embodiments, the first ultraviolet absorber (20) may be coated on a first side of a PVB, TPU, EVA, or other general lamination film substrate (26), and the second ultraviolet absorber (22) may be coated in patterns on a second side of the lamination film substrate (26).

[0099] In some embodiments, patterned coatings on the lamination film (26) as described above for the embodiments described for FIGS. 1a through 7e may be incorporated into laminated glass or IGUs (2) using a submillimeter-thick top glass substrate (e.g., Corning "Gorilla Glass" or "Willow Glass") to bring the patterned features as close as possible to the "first-surface" (e.g., surface ID 1 in FIG. 1a) patterns, as is often preferred for bird-friendly glass. That is, by using a submillimeter-thick top glass substrate, it is possible to place the coated PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination film intermediate layer (6) within less than 100 micrometers of the outer surface ID 1 of the outer layer (8). Using a sub-millimeter thick upper glass (8) substrate also significantly reduces the overall thickness of the laminated glass or IGU (2), making the laminated glass or IGU (2) much more similar to a single glass plate rather than a bulkier traditional laminated glass stack.

[0100] In some embodiments, coatings of a UV absorber or a plurality of UV absorbers, which are also luminescent light emitters as described above for the embodiments described for FIGS. 1a through 7e, may be applied to form a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) on PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination films (26). The luminescent light emitters may be applied with a patterned gravure cylinder to create uncoated skips (e.g., blank areas) on the lamination film, so that the window appears to have a pattern to a bird with UVA or near-ultraviolet (violet) spectral sensitivity. The patterns may include bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, crosshatch, dots, or other patterns.

[0101] In some embodiments, coatings of one or more UV absorbers, which are also luminescent light emitters as described above for the embodiments described for FIGS. 1a through 7e, may be applied in layers or simultaneously to form a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) on PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination films using a patterned gravure cylinder to create uncoated skips, so that the window will appear to have a pattern of bird silhouettes with UVA or near-ultraviolet (violet) spectral sensitivity. The patterns may include bird silhouettes, dots, or other patterns. A second coating station may apply a light emitter having different spectral emission aligned with the skip regions within the applied first coating. Alternatively, the second station may apply one or more layers over the entire film to form an nth functional coating. That is, functional UV material coatings may be laminated up to a first coating, a second coating, and up to an nth coating as required by the user's specifications and / or requirements.

[0102] In some embodiments, patterned coatings comprising LSC materials on PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination films may be used in any of the embodiments described for FIGS. 1a through 7e, but a sub-millimeter (50-200 micrometer) thick upper glass layer (8) (e.g., Corning "Gorilla Glass" or "Willow Glass") is used in conjunction to bring the patterned features as close as possible to the "first-surface" patterns, as is often preferred for bird-friendly glass. In addition to bringing the patterns within 100 micrometers of the first surface, this embodiment also provides enhanced off-axis visibility in addition to providing the ability to harvest solar energy to generate electricity. Using thin flexible glass also significantly reduces the overall thickness of the laminated glass or IGU, making the lamination thickness or height more equivalent to that of a single glass sheet, thereby enabling it to be used in other architectural glass applications.

[0103] In some embodiments, a visible light absorber or a visible light absorbing emitter may be used in any of the embodiments described for FIGS. 1a through 7e above to increase its appearance as a barrier to birds and / or improve its efficiency in generating photovoltaic energy, but the visible light absorber has coverage, feature size, and / or optical density in the visible spectrum portion sufficiently minimized so as not to be unpleasant to people.

[0104] In some embodiments, an external lamination consisting of a patterned lamination film such as PVB, TPU, EVA, or other common lamination film (26) can be laminated onto a thin glass substrate such as Corning Willow, Gorilla, or other thin glass substrates for on-site installation on the exterior of existing architectural windows using a vacuum clamping device, a method of heating a laminated glass intermediate layer film, or a combination of both heat and vacuum.

[0105] Double and triple plate new eco-friendly laminated glass and integrated glass unit (IGU)

[0106] FIG. 7f schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of laminated glass using a bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) within a double-plate IGU (2) having an air gap (13) according to some embodiments. This embodiment of laminated glass (2) includes an intermediate layer (6) formed of a first UV material (20) applied to a lamination film (26). The outer surface of the first UV material (20) on the lamination film (26) is attached to the inner surface ID 2 of the outer layer (8). The back surface (27) of the lamination film (26) (the surface opposite to the surface attached to the first UV material (20)) is exposed to the air gap (13). The air gap (13) is located between the back surface (27) of the lamination film (26) and the inner surface ID 3 of the inner layer (12).

[0107] In some embodiments, the volume of the "air gap" (13) is defined by the back surface (27) of the lamination film (26), the inner surface ID 3 of the inner layer (12), and an airtight envelope that maintains the pressure state of the air gap (13) and prevents heat flow through the IGU (2). The pressure state of the air gap may include a vacuum gap, an air-filled gap, or a certain other gas such as nitrogen, helium, argon, etc.

[0108] FIG. 7g schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of laminated glass using a bird-friendly intermediate layer (6) within a triple-plate IGU (2) having an air gap (13) according to some embodiments. This embodiment of laminated glass comprises an intermediate layer (6) formed of a first UV material (20) applied to a lamination film (26). The outer surface of the first UV material (20) on the lamination film (26) is attached to the inner surface ID 2 of the outer layer (8). The back surface (27) of the lamination film (26) is attached to the inner surface ID 3 of the inner layer (12). Up to this point in this embodiment of the triple-plate IGU (2), it is similar to the laminated glass stack described in FIG. 7a. However, in this embodiment of the triple-plate bird-friendly IGU (2), the third layer (15) is located inside the inner layer (12) (e.g., on the side of the IGU (2) facing the front surface ID 1) with an "air gap" 13) between the innermost surface layer ID 4 of the inner layer (12) and the inner surface ID 5 of the third layer (15).

[0109] In some embodiments, the volume of the air gap (13) is defined by the innermost surface layer ID 4 of the inner layer (12), the inner surface ID 5 of the third layer (15), and a hermetic shell that maintains the pressure state of the air gap (13) and obstructs heat flow through the IGU (2). The pressure state of the air gap may include a vacuum gap, an air-filled gap, or a certain other gas such as nitrogen, helium, argon, etc.

[0110] Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator (LSC)

[0111] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (e.g., LSC) (700). This embodiment of the transparent LSC (700) comprises a film, plexiglass, or glass substrate (720) that can act as a waveguide for absorbed radiation. The radiation may be concentrated as light re-emitted from a plane and / or harvested for electricity from the periphery (e.g., side or edge) of the film, plexiglass, or glass substrate.

[0112] A photovoltaic device (730) is positioned at a side edge of the LSC substrate (720) to collect radiation emitted from the substrate waveguide (720). The photovoltaic device (730) may be composed of any type of device that converts radiation into power. Examples include, but are not limited to, thin film, single crystal, polycrystalline, amorphous photovoltaic devices, etc. Photovoltaic materials include, but are not limited to, silicon, CdTe (cadmium telluride), GaAs (gallium arsenide), CGIS (copper gallium indium sulfide), transparent OPVs, etc.

[0113] In exemplary embodiments, one or more embedded light-emitting units that absorb and emit light during device operation may be embedded in the substrate. The embedded light-emitting units(s) are UV-absorbing light-emitting units(s) (740) (absorbing near-ultraviolet light with peak absorption between 300 and 450 nm) and may be one or more of coumarin, naphthalimide, coronene, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazfluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenebisimide, and bipyridine, but are not limited thereto, and may emit photons (745) at a wavelength different from that absorbed (emitted with peak wavelengths of 400 to 780 nm in visible light). Photons (745) emitted from the UV-absorbing light-emitting unit (740) are internally reflected (760) from the surfaces of the LSC substrate (720) and directed toward the photovoltaic device (730) to be converted into power.

[0114] In exemplary embodiments, the buried light emitters may be visible light absorbing light emitters (770) that absorb visible light in a narrow wavelength band. The buried light emitters may be one or more of coumarin, naphthalimide, coronene, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazfluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenebisimide, and bipyridine, but are not limited thereto. For example, the buried light emitter may be a VIS absorbing light emitter (770) (which absorbs visible light with peak absorption between 400 and 780 nm), which may emit photons (775) at wavelengths different from that absorbed (emitted with peak wavelengths of 400 to 1000 nm in visible and near-infrared light). Photons (775) emitted from the VIS absorption light-emitting unit (770) are internally reflected from the surfaces of the LSC substrate (720) and directed toward the photovoltaic device (730) to be converted into power. The light-emitting units included in the LSC devices can be used as patterned base layers as well as patterned second layers.

[0115] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a new friendly integrated glass unit (IGU). In step 910, a first ultraviolet (UV) material is applied to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer. The UV material is a UV radiation absorber. The UV can be applied as a thin film. In some embodiments, the first ultraviolet (UV) material may be a emitting unit.

[0116] In step 920, a first side of the intermediate layer is attached to the inner surface of the first outer layer. The first outer layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface.

[0117] In step 930, a second side of the intermediate layer is attached to the inner surface of the inner layer. The second surface of the inner layer faces the first surface. The intermediate layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form an integrated glass unit.

[0118] In optional step 940, a second UV material is applied to the first UV layer. In some embodiments, the second UV material may be a pattern of shapes including at least one of bird silhouettes, logos, stripes, grids, crosshatches, squares, dots, or other shapes. At least one of the first UV material or the second UV material may be applied as a thin film. At least one of the first UV material or the second UV material applied as a thin film is applied by a gravure printing process.

[0119] In optional step 950, the inner plate of the glass is fixed in an airtight manner to the outer surface of the inner layer of the integrated glass unit.

[0120] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method for manufacturing a bird-friendly IGU. In step 1010, a first ultraviolet (UV) material is applied to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer. The first UV material is a UV radiation absorber. The UV radiation absorber can absorb UVA or UVB radiation.

[0121] The first ultraviolet (UV) material may be applied as a thin film. The film of the UV absorbing material may be deposited, grown, applied, printed, gravure printed, offset printed, spinned, deposited, sputtered, or cast. The transparent flexible substrate may be a polymer film. The transparent flexible substrate may be a film of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The transparent flexible substrate may be a film of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester.

[0122] In step 1020, a second ultraviolet (UV) material may be applied to the second side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a second side of an intermediate layer. The second UV material is a UV radiation absorber. The UV radiation absorber may absorb UVA or UVB radiation.

[0123] The intermediate layer has a first ultraviolet (UV) material on the first side of the intermediate layer and a second ultraviolet (UV) material on the second side.

[0124] In optional step 1030, a third ultraviolet (UV) material may be applied to the first ultraviolet (UV) material or the second ultraviolet (UV) material.

[0125] In optional step 1040, a first side of the intermediate layer is attached to the inner surface of the outer layer. The outer layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface.

[0126] In optional step 1050, a second side of the intermediate layer is attached to the inner surface of the inner layer. The inner layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface. The intermediate layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer in an airtight manner to form an integrated glass unit.

[0127] The embodiments of the invention described above are intended merely as exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by any of the appended claims.

[0128] Examples

[0129] The threat factors of several IGUs were measured by the American Bird Conservancy (e.g., ABC) at Foreman's Branch Bird Observatory. The American Bird Conservancy aims to accelerate the development and adoption of bird-friendly building designs. Foreman's Branch Bird Observatory developed a method to evaluate threat factors that reflect the relative response to different patterns of songbirds flying in tunnels. Sample IGUs (2) were tested to determine the "Threat Factor" according to the description of the test features below:

[0130] 1. The threat factor of the material is based on flying at least 80 individual birds along a tunnel and recording whether they fly toward the control group or toward the patterned test plate. For example, assume that 80 birds fly along the tunnel, 20 of which fly toward the test pattern and 60 of which fly toward the control group. Since 25% (20 / 80) of the birds flew toward the test pattern, this will have a TF=25.

[0131] 2. Threat factors are not equivalent to the expected percentage reduction in collisions when glass is installed in a building. In reality, the same glass can perform differently on each side of a building depending on factors such as the angle to the sun and the habitats to which it reflects. Threat factors are indices that reflect the relative response to different patterns of songbirds flying in tunnels. However, when monitoring data for tunnel-tested products is available, they confirm that lower threat factors correspond to fewer collisions. ABC conservatively defines "bird-friendly" materials as those with a threat factor ≤ 30, and we believe this corresponds to at least a 50% reduction in collisions under real-world conditions.

[0132] 3. A score of 50 means that the same number of birds flew toward the control and test plates, and therefore means 'no stopping effect' for the test material.

[0133] 4. At least 80 attempts were performed for each sample.

[0134] 5. All samples were tested with background-reducing backlighting.

[0135] 6. All samples were photographed in visible light.

[0136] Example 1

[0137] Experiment Details:

[0138] Sample Name : ATBF-AA01-A06 was tested.

[0139] Sample Description : Laminated glass (3.2 mm low-iron glass plate 1 + 0.76 mm patterned and coated intermediate layer + 3.2 mm low-iron glass plate 2)

[0140] New friendly pattern : Surface 2 UV pattern (intermediate layer) - 2" squares with ½" × ½" spacing

[0141] base = DPC24-40SD(ARLP-3). Patterned = DPC24-40G

[0142] Available flights : 82

[0143] Threat Factor : 27

[0144] Discussion of experimental results for Example 1:

[0145] Sample ATBF-AA01-A06 was determined to have a threat factor of 27. This threat factor of less than 30 is believed by ABC to correspond to at least a 50% reduction in collisions under real-world conditions.

[0146] Example 2

[0147] Experiment Details:

[0148] Sample Name : ATBF-AA01-A05

[0149] explanation : Laminated glass (3.2 mm low-iron glass plate 1 + 0.76 mm patterned and coated intermediate layer + 3.2 mm low-iron glass plate 2)

[0150] New friendly pattern : Surface 2 UV pattern (intermediate layer) - 2" squares with ½" × ½" spacing.

[0151] base = No coating. Pattern = Hi T928+ARLP

[0152] Available flights : 85

[0153] Threat Factor : 29

[0154] Discussion of experimental results for Sample 2:

[0155] Sample ATBF-AA01-A06 was determined to have a threat factor of 27. This threat factor of less than 30 is believed by ABC to correspond to at least a 50% reduction in collisions under real-world conditions.

[0156] Conclusions from the tests of Examples 1 and 2

[0157] Samples 1 and 2 received a "threat factor" rating of 27 for our "best" coating and a "threat factor" rating of 29 for the second coating, respectively. Both samples are "pass" according to ABC metrics, where a threat factor <30 is considered "bird-friendly."

[0158] Using these findings, ABC indicated that the inventors have successfully demonstrated the first new friendly intermediate layer having a coating that absorbs only UV (through their third-party testing). The disclosed laminated glass design does not require an outer surface ID 1 coating on the outer layer (8) (the outermost layer closest to the sun and exposed to external factors).

[0159] Previously, it was thought impossible to have an effective bird-friendly IGU (2) with a bird-friendly coating behind the outer glass layer (8). This test demonstrated that a bird-friendly coating can be formed on the inner surface ID 2 of the outer layer (8) or on the inner surface ID 3 of the inner layer (12), interposed between the outer layer (8) and the inner layer (12), thereby forming a laminated glass (2) containing surfaces ID 1 to ID 4.

[0160] Accordingly, laminated glass (2) can be incorporated into a double or triple IGU, which is shown to have a new friendly UV laminate layer (36) as an outer glass laminate, followed by an air gap, and in most cases, a plate that will be low-e coated glass.

[0161] It is surprising and unexpected that the various embodiments described herein can provide bird-friendly windows using flexible substrates (e.g., polymer films) without reducing human experience. It is even more surprising and unexpected that bird-friendly windows can be provided that may be configured to selectively generate electricity through photovoltaic methods, such as a light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) for performing photovoltaic power generation.

Claims

Claim 1 A bird-friendly interlayer comprising: a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface; and an ultraviolet absorbing material on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the ultraviolet absorbing material is configured to produce one or more spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination, and wherein the transparent flexible substrate is configured to abut a first substantially flat glass plate on the first surface and a second substantially flat glass plate on the second surface. Claim 2 In claim 1, the ultraviolet absorbing material comprises an intermediate layer including a light-emitting group. Claim 3 In claim 1, the ultraviolet absorbing material comprises: a first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorbing coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of the substrate; and a second material having a second absorption spectrum applied to the first material, wherein the second material has a pattern of ultraviolet absorption features, and the pattern of ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorbing material provide one or more spectrum patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast, an intermediate layer. Claim 4 In claim 1, the substrate is impregnated with an ultraviolet absorbing dye having a first absorption spectrum uniformly and continuously throughout its entire bulk; and the ultraviolet absorbing material is: A first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorption coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of the substrate; and An intermediate layer comprising a pattern of ultraviolet absorption features having a second absorption spectrum deposited on the ultraviolet absorption material, wherein the pattern of ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorption coating provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the one or more ultraviolet absorption coatings are intermediate layers comprising a light-emitting group. Claim 6 In paragraph 4, the ultraviolet absorbing dye and the ultraviolet absorbing coating comprise an intermediate layer including light-emitting units. Claim 7 In paragraph 3, the pattern of the ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorption coating are an intermediate layer deposited by a gravure cylinder. Claim 8 In claim 1, the transparent flexible substrate comprises: a first ultraviolet absorption coating having a first ultraviolet absorption spectrum on the first surface; and a second ultraviolet absorption coating having a second ultraviolet absorption spectrum on the second surface, wherein the second surface faces the first surface and has a pattern of one or both of the first ultraviolet absorption coatings or the second ultraviolet absorption film. Claim 9 A bird-friendly device comprising: an outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface; an inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface; and a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises one or more ultraviolet absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination. Claim 10 In claim 9, the above one or more ultraviolet absorbing coatings comprise a light-emitting group, a new friendly device. Claim 11 In claim 9, the one or more ultraviolet absorption coatings comprise: a first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorption coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of the substrate; and a second material having a second absorption spectrum applied to the first material, wherein the second material has a pattern of ultraviolet absorption features, and the pattern of ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorption material provide the one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast, a new friendly device. Claim 12 In claim 9, the substrate is impregnated with an ultraviolet absorbing dye having a first absorption spectrum uniformly and continuously throughout its entire bulk; and the ultraviolet absorbing material is: A first material of a continuous ultraviolet absorption coating having a first absorption spectrum covering a first surface of a substrate; and A novel friendly device comprising a pattern of ultraviolet absorption features having a second absorption spectrum deposited on the ultraviolet absorption material, wherein the pattern of ultraviolet absorption features and the continuous ultraviolet absorption coating provide one or more spectral patterns of ultraviolet wavelength contrast. Claim 13 In claim 9, the above one or more ultraviolet absorbing coatings comprise a light-emitting group, a new friendly device. Claim 14 In claim 9, the above ultraviolet absorbing dye and the above ultraviolet absorbing coating comprise light-emitting units, a new friendly device. Claim 15 A new friendly device according to claim 9, wherein the transparent flexible substrate comprises: a first ultraviolet absorption coating having a first ultraviolet absorption spectrum on the first surface; and a second ultraviolet absorption coating having a second ultraviolet absorption spectrum on the second surface, wherein the second surface faces the first surface and has a pattern of one or both of the first ultraviolet absorption coatings or the second ultraviolet absorption film. Claim 16 In claim 11, the ultraviolet absorbing coatings comprise a light-emitting unit that emits light waveguided to the edges of the device; and the edges of the device are fitted with photovoltaic cells to generate power using the same as a light-emitting solar concentrator, a new friendly device. Claim 17 In claim 14, the ultraviolet absorbing dye and coating comprise light-emitting units that emit light guided to the edges of the device; said edges of the device are fitted with photovoltaic cells to generate power using the same as a light-emitting solar concentrator, a new friendly device. Claim 18 In claim 9, the outer layer is a submillimeter-thick glass piece having a thickness range of 30 micrometers to 20 millimeters; and the bird-friendly device, wherein the spectral patterns are on the first surface of the transparent flexible substrate such that under ultraviolet illumination they are as close as possible to the outer surface of the device. Claim 19 As a new friendly integrated glass unit, the outer plate of laminated glass - the outer plate is: An outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface; An inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface; and A new friendly integrated glass unit comprising: a transparent flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises one or more ultraviolet absorbing coatings that generate spectral patterns under ultraviolet illumination; a gap filled with vacuum, air, or inert gas; and an inner plate of glass, wherein the outer plate of glass and the inner plate of glass are secured together in an hermetic manner. Claim 20 As a new friendly integrated glass unit, the outer plate of laminated glass - the outer plate is: An outer layer having a first outer surface and a first inner surface; An inner layer having a second inner surface and a second outer surface; and A transparent flexible substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is bonded to the first inner surface of the outer layer and the second surface is bonded to the second inner surface of the inner layer, and the transparent flexible substrate comprises a film of an ultraviolet absorbing dye and a film comprising light-emitting ends that emit light guided to the edges of the laminated glass; wherein the films of the ultraviolet absorbing dye and coating are configured to provide bird-friendly patterns, and the edges of the laminated glass are fitted with photovoltaic cells to generate power using them as light-emitting solar concentrators; an inner plate of glass; a gap between the outer plate of the laminated glass and the inner plate of the glass; A bird-friendly integrated glass unit comprising bird-friendly patterns and electrical contacts for harvesting power generated from the laminated glass functioning as a light-emitting solar concentrator, wherein the gap is in a vacuum or filled with air or an inert gas; and the outer plate of the laminated glass and the inner plate of the glass are secured to each other in an airtight manner. Claim 21 In claim 20, the outer layer is a submillimeter-thick piece of glass having a thickness range of 30 micrometers to 10 millimeters; and the inner plate of the glass is fixed to the outer plate of the laminated glass in an airtight manner, a new friendly integrated glass unit. Claim 22 A method for manufacturing a new friendly integrated glass unit, comprising the steps of: applying a first ultraviolet (UV) material to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer, wherein the UV material is a UV radiation absorber; attaching the first side of the intermediate layer to an inner surface of a first outer layer, wherein the first outer layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface; and attaching a second side of the intermediate layer to an inner surface of an inner layer, wherein the second surface of the inner layer faces the first surface, and the intermediate layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form an integrated glass unit. Claim 23 In paragraph 22, the above-mentioned first ultraviolet (UV) material is a emitting unit, method. Claim 24 A method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of applying a second UV material to the first UV layer. Claim 25 In claim 24, the method comprises a pattern of shapes including at least one of new silhouettes, logos, stripes, grids, crosshatches, squares, dots, or other shapes. Claim 26 A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of the first UV material or the second UV material is applied as a film. Claim 27 In claim 26, a method wherein at least one of the first UV material or the second UV material applied by thin films is applied by a gravure printing process. Claim 28 In paragraph 22, the method wherein the outer layer and the inner layer comprise a glass material. Claim 29 A method according to claim 28, further comprising the step of securing an inner plate of glass to the outer surface of the inner layer of the integrated glass unit in an airtight manner. Claim 30 A method for manufacturing a bird-friendly device comprising the step of applying a first ultraviolet (UV) material to a first side of a transparent flexible substrate to form a first side of an intermediate layer, wherein the first UV material is a UV radiation absorber; and the step of applying a second ultraviolet (UV) material to a second side of the transparent flexible substrate to form a second side of the intermediate layer, wherein the second UV material is a UV radiation absorber, and the intermediate layer having the first ultraviolet (UV) material on the first side of the intermediate layer and the second ultraviolet (UV) material on the second side. Claim 31 A method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of applying a third ultraviolet (UV) material to the first ultraviolet (UV) material or the second ultraviolet (UV) material. Claim 32 A method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of attaching the first side of the intermediate layer to the inner surface of the outer layer - wherein the outer layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface -; and the step of attaching the second side of the intermediate layer to the inner surface of the inner layer, wherein the inner layer has an outer surface facing the inner surface, and the intermediate layer is interposed in an airtight manner between the outer layer and the inner layer to form an integrated glass unit. Claim 33 In claim 30, the transparent flexible substrate comprises a film of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Claim 34 In claim 30, the transparent flexible substrate comprises a film of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester.

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