HK1083878A - Laminated glass and structural glass with integrated lighting, sensors and electronics - Google Patents

Description

Laminated glass and structural glass with integrated lighting, sensors and electronics

Technical Field

The present invention relates to laminated glass comprised of at least two glass layers separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or air cavity, wherein solid state lighting, sensors, energy generation and storage devices, and other electronics are contained within the transparent non-glass interlayer or air cavity. The invention also relates to structural glass blocks and structural plyglass in which solid state lighting, sensors, energy generation and storage devices, and other electronics are contained within the air cavity of the hollow glass block or within the non-glass intermediate layer of the plyglass.

Background

Laminated glass is commonly used in construction for interior and exterior walls and windows and the like. Such laminated glass typically consists of at least two glass layers separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or air cavity. For example, conventional laminated glass double glazing or walls are typically comprised of two glass structures separated by an air cavity, wherein each glass structure is comprised of two glass layers separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer. Conventional structural glass blocks are also commonly used in construction for interior and exterior walls and windows and the like. These glass blocks typically contain large air cavities.

It is an object of the present invention to use non-glass interlayers and/or air cavities in laminated glass and air cavities in glass blocks to contain solid state lighting, sensors, energy generation or storage devices and other electronic devices to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of laminated glass and glass blocks.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a laminated glass comprised of at least two transparent glass layers, wherein adjacent glass layers are separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air cavity, wherein at least one transparent non-glass interlayer or air cavity comprises a device comprised of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

The present invention also provides a laminated glass comprised of at least one transparent glass layer and at least one transparent polymer layer, wherein adjacent glass layers, adjacent transparent polymer layers and adjacent glass and transparent polymer layers are separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or an air cavity, wherein the at least one transparent non-glass interlayer or air cavity comprises a device comprised of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

The present invention also provides a hollow structural glass block wherein an air cavity is present, wherein the air cavity comprises a device consisting of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

The invention also provides a structural glued glass brick and a laminated glass brick, which consist of n layers of transparent glass and n-1 layers of transparent solid non-glass interlayers, wherein n is more than or equal to 2; all transparent glass layers and all transparent solid non-glass interlayers have substantially the same lateral dimensions; adjacent layers of transparent glass are separated by one of the transparent solid non-glass interlayers; and at least one of the transparent glass layer and the transparent solid non-glass interlayer is positioned to extend beyond the other layers on two adjacent edges of the structural laminated glass block. Preferably, at least two of the transparent glass layers and the transparent solid non-glass interlayers are positioned to extend beyond the other layers on two adjacent edges of the structural laminated glass block. Particularly preferred is a configuration wherein the transparent glass layers and the solid non-glass interlayers are positioned relative to each other such that all of the transparent glass layers are aligned and all of the transparent solid non-glass interlayers are aligned, and all of the aligned transparent glass layers extend beyond the aligned transparent solid non-glass interlayers on two adjacent sides of the structural laminated glass block and all of the aligned transparent solid non-glass interlayers extend beyond the aligned transparent glass layers on two opposite sides of the structural laminated glass block.

The present invention also provides the structural laminated glass block described above wherein at least one of the solid non-glass interlayers comprises a device consisting of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

The present invention also provides: a security lighting system including a sensor to detect whether a security issue exists; an illumination device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and means for transmitting a signal from the sensor to a lighting device to apply a voltage across at least one organic light emitting diode of the lighting device to activate the lighting device and thereby provide a desired illumination.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows four displays obtained in example 1 when a glazing display was provided using the glass laminate of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a laminated glass of the present invention used in example 2.

Figure 3a shows the illumination of the laminated glass of the invention used in example 2 when no pressure is applied to the laminated glass, and figure 3b shows the illumination of the laminated glass when pressure is applied.

Figure 4 shows three views of a structural laminated glass block of the present invention.

Detailed Description

One aspect of the present invention relates to laminated glass comprised of glass layers separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air gap, and to the use of a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air cavity between the glass layers of laminated glass to integrate various functions to enhance the function and aesthetics of the laminated glass. Laminated glass consists of at least two layers of transparent glass, with adjacent glass layers separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air cavity. One embodiment of this aspect of the invention is a laminated glass consisting of two layers of transparent glass separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer. Another aspect of the invention relates to laminated glass comprised of at least one glass layer and at least one transparent polymer layer separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air gap, and to the use of a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air cavity between the glass and polymer layers of laminated glass to integrate various functions to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the laminated glass. The laminated glass is comprised of at least one transparent glass layer and at least one transparent polymer layer, with adjacent glass layers, adjacent transparent polymer layers, and adjacent glass and transparent polymer layers separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or an air cavity. One embodiment of this aspect of the invention is a laminated glass comprised of a transparent glass layer and a transparent polymer layer separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or an air cavity.

Both types of laminated glass provide a "load space" that allows integration of digital and thin film technologies in or close to the transparent solid non-glass interlayer or in the air cavity. This allows the transparent solid non-glass interlayer to serve two purposes, namely as a shatter resistant material, and as a substrate for a device that adds an additional function to the laminated glass. Similarly, it allows the air cavity to serve two purposes, namely as a thermal insulator, and as a substrate for a device that provides additional functionality to the laminated glass. As used herein, "transparent," when used in conjunction with a transparent solid non-glass interlayer, refers to solid non-glass interlayers that transmit light without appreciable scattering, as well as solid non-glass interlayers that are translucent, i.e., partially transmit light. The desired transmission of the transparent solid non-glass interlayer is generally determined by how the laminate is used. If the application requires a laminate that is as completely transparent as possible, for example for use as a window, the transparent solid non-glass interlayer should transmit light without appreciable scattering. A transparent solid non-glass interlayer that is partially transmissive of light may be well suited if the laminate is used as a stair tread or stair riser.

The invention provides that at least one transparent solid non-glass interlayer or air cavity comprises a device consisting of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors. When a transparent solid non-glass interlayer is used, the interlayer may be perforated to provide space for the elements of the device. Alternatively, the elements of the device may be adjacent to a transparent solid non-glass interlayer. Preferred as the transparent solid non-glass interlayer is Butacit1 * PVB (polyvinyl butyral), available from e.i. du Pont DE Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE. Also preferred as a transparent solid non-glass interlayer is an ionoplast interlayer, available as a SentryGlas * Plus laminated glass structure from e.i. du Pont DE Nemours and company, Wilmington, DE. Transparent electrical conductors such as indium tin oxide can be deposited directly onto transparent glass or transparent polymers.

The solid state lighting elements may be in the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), i.e. optoelectronic devices consisting of p-n junctions, which emit light (ultraviolet, visible or infrared radiation) in response to a forward current through the diode. LEDs are produced using inorganic materials. The solid state lighting element may also be in the form of an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). The OLED may be a Polymer Light Emitting Diode (PLED) or a Small Molecule Organic Light Emitting Diode (SMOLED). Transparent electrical conductors can be used to provide a means for applying an activation voltage to the LED or OLED. Indium tin oxide is a preferred transparent electrical conductor. The light source may also be in the form of an Electroluminescent (EL) film. The microprocessor chip for controlling the solid state lighting elements may be provided as part of the device contained in the at least one transparent solid non-glass interlayer or air cavity, or may be provided externally onto the laminated glass. The microprocessor chip may be programmed to cause the solid state lighting elements to display a sequence of images. The images may be in the form of pictorial or aesthetic displays or text. When the thin film capacitive sensor is made part of a device, the movement of an object, such as a hand, may cause the display to change. The laminated glass remains transparent on the portions of the laminated glass where no solid state lighting elements are present or where the solid state lighting elements are not activated. The portion of the laminated glass in which the solid state lighting elements are activated displays images and information such as temperature, time, stock prices, etc. as well as programmable text and messages. The laminated glass may be used as a window, as an interior or exterior wall or surface, as an automotive windshield, sunroof or instrument panel, as a kitchen appliance display, as a glazing in an aircraft, train or subway, or as a display surface.

The air cavity of a conventional laminated double glazing provides ample space for any of the above-described devices. Conventional laminated double glazing consists of a glass-interlayer-glass element separated from a second glass-interlayer-glass layer by an air cavity. One such device converts energy received in the form of light from the sun or other light source into electrical energy that can be stored in a battery and used to drive LEDs, OLEDs, electroluminescent films, liquid crystal display films, electrochromic suspended particle device films, and the like. For example, the device may be comprised of a thin film photovoltaic panel, a rechargeable thin film lithium battery, and a transparent indium tin oxide thin film that conducts electricity between the various elements. Alternatively, the battery may be used to power another device not in the window. With the addition of a microprocessor for controlling the lighting, the energy stored in the battery can be used to provide different types of displays in the window depending on the shade. For example, the display may provide information, advertising, etc. during the day; providing illumination at night; which can act as a night light. Because lithium batteries are opaque and typical reasonably priced photovoltaic cells are opaque, these elements are concentrated in a portion of the area of the air cavity. The device consisting of the thin film photovoltaic panel and the rechargeable thin film lithium battery can also be used in other embodiments of laminated glass.

One device that can be used with the laminated glass of the present invention is one that adjusts the translucency and/or color of the laminated glass according to the amount of external light that impinges on the laminated glass, and thereby provides a suitable tint. The device consists of a photosensor, suspended particle device film or liquid crystal display film that detects incident light and a means for adjusting the translucency and/or color of the suspended particle device film or liquid crystal display film using the output of the photosensor.

The present invention is a laminated glass embodiment consisting of two layers of transparent glass separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer, i.e., glass-interlayer-glass, or a laminated glass embodiment consisting of three layers of transparent glass and two transparent solid non-glass interlayers, i.e., glass-interlayer-glass, that is particularly useful as an illuminated stair tread, stair riser or floor tile. The transparent solid non-glass interlayer can be illuminated with an LED or OLED in the transparent solid non-glass interlayer or by an LED or OLED positioned at an edge of the transparent solid non-glass interlayer. In the case of stair treads or floor tiles, the sensors detect the foot placed on the laminated glass. The microprocessor can use the presence or absence of a signal from the pressure sensor to activate and change the lighting function contained within the laminated glass. Laminated glass consisting of three layers of transparent glass and two transparent solid non-glass interlayers, wherein each transparent solid non-glass interlayer comprises one illumination device, provides an even greater variety of illumination solutions than laminated glass consisting of two layers of transparent glass separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer. With two illumination devices within the laminated glass, the detection of a foot placed on the laminated glass by a pressure sensor can be used to turn off illumination from one transparent solid non-glass interlayer and turn on illumination from the other transparent solid non-glass interlayer. Alternatively, both may be opened simultaneously. In other applications, the signal from the pressure sensor as a result of the footstrike on the bottom level of the staircase or the top level of the staircase may be used to enhance the illumination of all steps in the staircase by activating additional LEDs or OLEDs. Alternatively, a signal from a pressure sensor as a result of a foot hitting a bottom or top level of a staircase may be used to activate a laminated glass display of the present invention disposed along the wall of the staircase to convey information, direction, etc.

The invention also relates to a security lighting system comprising a sensor to detect whether a security problem exists, a lighting device comprising at least one OLED and means to transmit a signal from the sensor to the lighting device so as to apply a voltage between an anode and a cathode of the lighting device to activate the lighting device and thereby provide illumination.

The sensor may be a sensor that detects the presence of smoke, gas or motion or if no general lighting level is present in the event of a power failure. The means for conveying the signal from the sensor to the lighting device may be electrical or mechanical, but electrical is preferred. The security lighting system may be operated by means of a wired or wireless option. The wireless option may be used for remote control. Operation with other safety sensor systems, such as light, smoke, motion, or gas detectors, may be performed in a single integrated system or wirelessly in a system consisting of multiple devices. The illumination may be controlled electronically and/or manually (e.g., dimming), as may the activation of the sensor. The lighting may be low brightness for positioning and aesthetic purposes, up to high brightness for safety, emergency, visibility and information transfer purposes.

The security lighting system may comprise more than one OLED-based lighting element, e.g. an array of OLEDs. OLEDs may also be patterned on transparent or translucent media in forms that may include illumination panels, letters, numbers, figures/shapes, symbols, or other forms, either alone or in combination. It should be understood that the pattern may vary as desired. For these embodiments, the anode and OLED layers will be patterned. The layer may be applied in a pattern, for example by positioning a patterned mask, or by photolithography on the first flexible composite barrier structure, prior to application of the first electrical contact layer material. Alternatively, the layers may be applied as a full layer and then patterned using, for example, photolithography and wet chemical etching. Other methods for patterning that are well known in the art may also be used. The lighting devices are thin, flat, lightweight, and when deposited onto flexible substrates, are compliant to a variety of shapes and configurations. The lifetime of the lighting device exceeds 1000 hours. Each illumination means is composed of one or more pixels. The lighting device may emit monochromatic light, several colors, or white light.

The lighting device and the sensor in the inventive safety lighting system may be separate entities or they may be integrated into a single device.

The present invention also provides a combination of safety lighting devices as a subsystem component of a portion of a larger system, such as a horizontal surface (e.g., ceiling) or a vertical surface (e.g., wall, door, partition, stair structure). The device and/or system electronics and sensors may be embedded to improve flexibility, reduce weight, and improve strength. Which provides controllable illumination and transmission of security information through illumination and illumination modalities.

The present invention thus provides a simple and cost-effective solution for manufacturing an integrated, OLED-based security lighting system with controllable (e.g. dimmer switch, electronic signal, activated sensor, remote control) light output. This is one such security lighting system that can be connected (either by wire or wirelessly) to a separate security sensor device/system, and can be integrated within or as part of other security sensor devices/systems.

Conventional structural glass blocks are commonly used in buildings for interior and exterior walls and windows and the like. These glass blocks usually contain large air cavities and therefore provide another type of "carrying case" which allows integrating digital and thin film technology into the air cavities and thereby integrating a wide variety of functions which enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the glass blocks. Any of the devices and results discussed above with respect to laminated glass can be used for the glass block. The color of individual glass blocks in a glass block window or wall may vary, or the color of the entire window or wall may vary. The glass block can change the amount of color tone according to the intensity of incident light. The use of thin film capacitive sensors just below the inner surface of the glass block can provide a means to change color by waving an arm in front of the glass block. Remote sensors enable the glass block system to respond to environmental factors. Microprocessors and other electronic circuitry may be embedded in the mortar between the bricks or within the bricks themselves.

The invention also provides a novel structural glued glass brick and a laminated glass brick. The brick consists of n layers of transparent glass and n-1 layers of transparent solid non-glass interlayers, wherein n is more than or equal to 2. All of the transparent glass layers and all of the transparent solid non-glass interlayers have substantially the same lateral dimensions. Lateral dimensions as used herein refer to two dimensions in the plane of the layer, i.e. the dimension perpendicular to the layer thickness. Adjacent transparent glass layers are separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer so that the exterior face of the structural laminated glass block is always a transparent glass layer.

At least one of the transparent glass layer and the transparent solid non-glass interlayer is positioned to extend beyond the other layer on two adjacent sides of the structural plyglass block. Preferably, at least two of the transparent glass layers and the transparent solid non-glass interlayers are positioned to extend beyond the other layers on two adjacent edges of the structural laminated glass block. At least one and preferably at least two of the layers are offset relative to the remaining layers with the purpose of providing a means for intermeshing other similarly manufactured tiles to form strong windows, walls, etc. comprised of these structural laminated glass tiles. Particularly preferred is a configuration wherein the transparent glass layers are aligned and all transparent solid non-glass interlayers are aligned. The aligned transparent glass layers are positioned relative to the aligned transparent solid non-glass interlayers such that all of the aligned transparent glass layers extend beyond all of the aligned transparent solid non-glass interlayers on two adjacent sides of the structural laminated glass and all of the aligned transparent solid non-glass interlayers extend beyond all of the aligned transparent glass layers on two opposing sides of the structural laminated glass block. The transparent glass layer may consist of a single glass sheet or several glass sheets laminated together. Similarly, the transparent solid non-glass interlayer can be composed of a single sheet of interlayer material or several sheets of interlayer material laminated together. When n is 3, the structural laminated glass block is a glass, non-glass interlayer, glass structure, as shown in fig. 4. Figure 4a shows a front view of a structural laminated glass block. The transparent glass layer 11 is the front face of the structural laminated glass block and the transparent solid non-glass interlayer 12 is the transparent solid non-glass interlayer adjacent to the transparent glass layer 11. Figure 4b shows a cross section of the end of a structural laminated glass block. The transparent glass layers 11, 13 and 15 are shown having the same horizontal dimension, i.e. width, but different thicknesses, aligned with each other. The transparent glass layer 15 is the back of the structural laminated glass block. The transparent solid non-glass interlayers 12 and 14, which are shown having the same horizontal dimension, i.e., width, as the transparent glass layers, are aligned with each other but are positioned to extend beyond the transparent glass layers on the right side of the structural laminated glass block. Similarly, the transparent glass layer extends beyond the transparent solid non-glass interlayer to the left of the structural laminated glass block. Figure 4c shows a side cross section of a structural laminated glass block. The transparent glass layers 11, 13 and 15 are shown having the same horizontal dimension, i.e. length, aligned with each other. The transparent solid non-glass interlayers 12 and 14, which are shown having the same horizontal dimension, i.e., length, as the transparent glass layers, are aligned with each other but are positioned to extend beyond the transparent glass layers at the upper portion of the structural laminated glass block. Similarly, the transparent glass layer extends beyond the transparent solid non-glass interlayer on the bottom side of the structural laminated glass block. As is apparent from fig. 4, two extended transparent solid non-glass interlayers will fit into the recesses of adjacent similar bricks and can thereby be joined to form an extended wall or window composed of these structural laminated glass bricks.

Structural laminated glass blocks provide another type of "carrier box" that allows digital and thin film technology to be integrated into the transparent solid non-glass interlayer and thereby integrate a wide variety of functions, thereby improving the functionality and aesthetics of the structural laminated glass block. Any of the devices and results discussed above with respect to laminated glass can be used in the structural laminated glass block. The color of individual structural laminated glass blocks in a structural laminated glass block window or wall may vary, or the color of the entire window or wall may vary. The structural laminated glass blocks can vary the amount of tint depending on the intensity of incident light. Using thin film capacitive sensors just below the inner surface of the structural laminated glass block can provide a means to change color by waving an arm in front of the structural laminated glass block. Remote sensors enable the structural laminated glass block system to respond to environmental factors. Microprocessors and other electronic circuitry may be embedded in a transparent solid non-glass interlayer.

Examples of the invention

Example 1

This example illustrates the use of the laminated glass of the present invention to provide a window display. A wooden frame for a window was made to hold two pieces of 20 inch by 30 inch (508 cm x 762 cm) glass parallel to each other with an air gap of about 3/16 inches (.5 cm) between them. A 10 x 14 array of 140 LEDs was mounted between two sheets of glass. This is accomplished by the following steps: 10 very thin conductive wires are vertically spaced about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from the top to the bottom of the wooden frame, and 14 very thin conductive wires are horizontally spaced about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from the top to the bottom of the wooden frame. At each intersection of the two sets of wires, a commercially available blue led was attached, with the cathode attached to one wire and the anode attached to the other wire. The wires are positioned such that the LED array is centered in the window. The LEDs are connected to a microprocessor chip, a 6 volt battery power supply and switches to turn the display on and off, all of which are located on the wood frame of the window. The microprocessor chip is programmed to provide various images. Some images are shown in fig. 1. In fig. 1a, all 140 LEDs emit light. In fig. 1b, a temperature of 19 ° is shown. The letter a is shown in fig. 1 c. FIG. 1d is a display of a random pattern.

In commercial window displays, the conductive wires would be replaced by transparent indium tin oxide conductors.

Example 2

This example illustrates the use of the laminated glass of the present invention as a stair tread or floor tile. A 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) laminated glass consists of three layers of transparent glass and two transparent solid non-glass interlayers, all five layers having lateral dimensions of 12 inches by 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm). A cross-section of a portion of the laminated glass is shown in fig. 2, and reference is made to fig. 2 in the following description. A sheet of glass of 1/2 inches (1.3 cm) thickness was used as the upper surface of the laminated glass. Perforated interlayer 2 was a perforated DuPont SentryGlas * Plus ionoplast interlayer, available from e.i. du Pont DE Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE. The perforations 3 are distributed evenly over the entire intermediate layer 2. The next layer in the laminated glass was glass sheet 4 of 3/8 inches (1 cm) thickness. Perforated interlayer 5 was a perforated dupont sentryglas * Plus ionoplast interlayer, available from e.i. du Pont DE Nemoursand Company, Wilmington, DE. The perforations 6 in the perforated interlayer 5 are in the form of a logo of dupontco. The bottom layer of the laminated glass was glass plate 7, which was 1/2 inches thick (1.3 cm). Five layers of laminated glass are secured along opposite sides of the laminated glass by aluminum brackets 8. The aluminum bracket is composed of two pieces of aluminum, which are fixed together with laminated glass therebetween by bolts. A row of white emitting LEDs 9 is mounted in the perforated interlayer 2 against each of the two aluminium brackets. A row of red emitting LEDs 10 is mounted in the perforated interlayer 4 against each of the two aluminium brackets. A pressure sensor 11 is installed in the perforated interlayer 2 to detect the pressure applied to the upper surface of the laminated glass. The microprocessor and associated electronics are attached to the side of the laminated glass.

When no pressure is applied to the glass plate 1, the white light emitting LEDs 9 in the uniformly perforated interlayer 2 are activated. Light is transmitted through the interlayer 2 and is scattered at the evenly distributed perforations, providing the laminated glass with a soft, uniform white appearance, as shown in figure 3 a. When pressure is applied to the glass sheet 1, the white light-emitting LEDs 9 are deactivated and the red light-emitting LEDs 10 in the interlayer 5 are activated. The light is transmitted through the intermediate layer 5 and is scattered at the perforations, resulting in a red DuPont co. logo, as shown in fig. 3 b.

Example 3

This example illustrates the use of the hollow structural glass block of the present invention in a glass block window, wherein the lights in each individual glass block are turned on or off when a hand is swiped near the glass block.

A glass block window is a 3 x 4 array of 12 conventional glass blocks nominally 8 inches x 3.5 inches (20 cm x 8.9 cm). Each glass block is cut into two pieces. A light diffusing film was mounted on the inner surface of each of two 8 inch x 8 inch (20 cm x 20cm) faces. Four green emitting diodes are connected along each side of the tile containing the front face of the tile for a total of 16 per tile. A capacitor sensor that detects the presence of a waving object near the outer surface of the tile is mounted inside the tile containing the front surface of the tile. The microprocessor is connected to the inner surface of the tile containing the front surface of the tile. Wires are connected from the capacitor to the microprocessor, from the microprocessor to the LED and battery power supply. The two glass blocks were bonded together with a silicone adhesive. 12 glass blocks were prepared in a similar manner and the 12 blocks were then bonded into a 3 x 4 array of glass windows again using a silicone adhesive.

The capacitor in a given tile detects an arm waving in front of the tile, and the microprocessor activates the 16 LEDs in the tile (if they are in an "off" state) and deactivates them (if they are in an "on" state). Any combination of tiles may be set to an activated or deactivated state.

Example 4

This example illustrates the production of a structural laminated glass block having n-3, i.e., glass, interlayer, glass structural laminated glass block, having dimensions substantially in the proportions shown in fig. 4. Two glass sheets, 3 inches by 6 inches (7.6 cm by 15.2 cm) and 3/16 inches (0.5 cm) thick, were used for the transparent glass layers 11 and 15, the front and back of the structural laminated glass block. Three glass plates, 3 inch by 6 inch (7.6 cm by 15.2 cm) and 3/16 inch (0.5 cm) thick, were laminated together using epoxy resin, and the resulting laminated glass was used for the transparent glass layer 13. The transparent solid non-glass interlayers 12 and 14 are each formed by laminating two sheets of DuPont SentryGlas * Plus ionoplast interlayer (available from e.i. du Pont DE nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE) together with an epoxy resin. Five layers were laminated together using epoxy. All three glass plies were aligned and two interlayers were aligned, but the interlayers were positioned to extend about 1/4 inches (0.6 cm) beyond the glass plies on the upper and right sides of the structural laminated glass block, as shown in fig. 4. A second structural laminated glass block was prepared substantially as described above and used to illustrate that the structural laminated glass blocks mated with each other to form a wall or window.

The LED is inserted into the transparent solid non-glass interlayer 12 of a structural laminated glass block and connections are provided to enable the use of an external battery to activate the LED. Alternatively, the thin film cell may be provided in a transparent solid non-glass interlayer.

Example 5

This example illustrates the use of the laminated glass of the present invention as a light source. Laminated glass containing PLED lighting devices was manufactured in the following manner. A glass substrate was partially coated with an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin film serving as the anode of the device. The poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) mixture, CH8000 (available from Bayer AG, germany), was spin coated onto ITO-coated PET for 80 seconds at 1,000rpm in air. The resulting film was dried on a hot plate at 200 ℃ for 3 minutes and then under vacuum at 60 ℃ overnight. A yellow phosphor PDY * 132 solution (available as a pre-formulated solution from Covion Organic Semiconductors, GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) was spin coated on PEDOT film for 30 seconds at 330rpm and then for 20 seconds at 1000 rpm. The PEDOT and yellow emitter are removed in the areas where the cathode and anode must be in contact with the power supply. A low work function metal, Ca, was vapor deposited on the thin film of PEDOT and yellow emitter to a thickness of 10 to 30 nanometers. An aluminum layer was vapor deposited on top of the Ca layer to a thickness of 300 nm to form a complete cathode. A layer of UV-curable epoxy is coated over the device but not the electrode contact areas. A piece of glass was placed on the epoxy and the epoxy cured with uv light. When the cell was connected to the electrodes, the entire device emitted yellow light.

Example 6

A laminated glass including an electroluminescent panel as a light source was prepared in the following manner. Two pieces of annealed glass, each 90 mm x 85 mm, were washed with a solution of trisodium phosphate in deionized water (5 g/l), then rinsed thoroughly with deionized water and dried. An ionomer resin sheet (0.76 mm thickness) consisting of 81% ethylene, 19% methacrylic acid (37% neutralized with sodium ions and melt index 2) was placed on a glass. The ionomer sheet has a moisture content of less than 0.06 wt%. The ionomer sheet has a surface roughness formed by embossing techniques that allows for easy outgassing between each assembly interface. An Electroluminescent (EL) panel, 70 mm x 45 mm, was centered on the ionomer sheet. The glass and ionomer sheets used herein are sized to match and exceed the size of the electroluminescent panel in order to fully encapsulate the electroluminescent panel during the subsequent lamination process. A second ionomer sheet was placed over the el panel and then a second piece of glass was placed over it to complete the pre-assembly structure. The preassembled structure is then secured together with a piece of polyester tape to maintain the relative positioning of each layer. A strip of nylon fabric was placed around the periphery of the pre-assembly structure to promote outgassing from the interior of the layer. The pre-assembled structure is placed within a nylon vacuum bag having a connection to a vacuum pump. Vacuum was applied so that air was substantially removed from the interior (air pressure in the bag was reduced to below 50 mbar absolute). The pre-assembled structure, wrapped with bags, was then heated to 110 ℃ in a convection air oven and held for 30 minutes. The laminate was then cooled to near room temperature with a cooling fan and the bag removed by disconnecting the laminate from the vacuum source, thus producing a fully pre-pressed laminate of glass and interlayer. The laminated structure, while now sealed around the perimeter, still has some interior regions that are not adequately bonded. The laminate was then placed in an air autoclave and the pressure and temperature were increased from ambient to 135 c and 200psi over 15 minutes. The temperature and pressure were maintained for 30 minutes and then the temperature was reduced to 40 ℃ over 20 minutes, whereby the pressure was then reduced to ambient pressure and the laminated glass structure was removed.

Application of an appropriate current to the device indicates that the electroluminescent panel provides light and is functionalized as before encapsulation in glass. It is now protected from physical damage and attack by moisture, air, etc., and may be used in the applications discussed herein.

Example 7

Embodiments of the night light security lighting system of the present invention are monochrome, wall-in-the-wall (plug-in-the-wall) OLED-based lighting devices and integrated sensor electronics for wirelessly connecting a sensor, a separate battery-powered smoke detector/alarm, to the lighting device. The safety lighting device switches from low to high illumination or flashes when the smoke detector is activated.

Example 8

An embodiment of the smoke detection security lighting system of the present invention is a monochrome, OLED-based, standalone battery-powered lighting device that provides a security sign, and integrated sensor electronics for wirelessly connecting a sensor, standalone battery-powered smoke detector-alarm, to the lighting device. When the smoke detector is activated, the lighting device with the security symbol switches from low to high illumination or flashes. The illumination means and the smoke detector may be separate devices or may be integrated into a single device.

Example 9

An embodiment of the smoke detection safety lighting system of the present invention is a monochrome, OLED-based lighting device integrated into the surface structure of a sensor, wired or battery powered smoke detector-alarm. When the smoke detector is activated, the lighting device switches from off to high brightness or flashes.

Example 10

An embodiment of the smoke detection safety lighting system of the present invention is an OLED-based lighting device integrated into a transparent (e.g., SentryGlas Plus *, safety glass laminate, available from Dupont co., Wilmington, DE) balustrade or stair material for a stair, and integrated sensor electronics for wirelessly connecting a sensor, a separate battery-powered smoke detector-alarm, to the lighting device. When the smoke detector is activated, the lighting device switches from a low light level to a high light level. The smoke detector may be a separate device or may be integrated into a transparent balustrade handrail or stair material.

Example 11

An embodiment of the motion detection security lighting system of the present invention is an OLED-based lighting device integrated into a transparent (e.g., SentryGlas Plus *, safety glass laminate, available from Dupont co., Wilmington, DE) balustrade or stair material for a stair, and integrated sensor electronics for wirelessly connecting a sensor, a separate battery-powered motion detector, to the lighting device. When the motion detector is activated, the lighting device switches from a low light level to a high light level. The motion detector may be a separate device or may be integrated into the transparent balustrade handrail or the stair material.

Example 12

An embodiment of the outage detection safety lighting system of the present invention is an OLED-based lighting device integrated into a transparent (e.g., SentryGlas Plus *, safety glass laminate, available from Dupont co., Wilmington, DE) balustrade or stair material for a stair, and having integrated sensor electronics for wirelessly connecting a sensor, a separate battery-powered light sensor, to the lighting device. When the light sensor is activated, the lighting device switches from off to high illumination. The light sensor may be a separate device or may be integrated into the transparent balustrade handrail or the stair material.

Claims (27)

1. A laminated glass comprised of at least two transparent glass layers, wherein adjacent glass layers are separated by a transparent solid non-glass interlayer or an air cavity, wherein at least one of said transparent non-glass interlayer or said air cavity comprises a device comprised of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

2. The laminated glass of claim 1, wherein said device further comprises a microprocessor chip programmed to control said solid state lighting elements and cause said solid state lighting elements to display a series of images.

3. The laminated glass of claim 1, used as an exterior window or wall, wherein said device is comprised of a light sensor, a liquid crystal display film and a means for controlling the translucency of said liquid crystal display film, whereby said means reduces the translucency of said liquid crystal display film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is increased, and said means increases the translucency of said liquid crystal display film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is reduced, thereby providing a variable degree of interior shading.

4. The laminated glass of claim 1, used as an exterior window or wall, wherein said device is comprised of an optical sensor, a suspended particle device film, and means for controlling the translucency of said suspended particle device film, whereby said means reduces the translucency of said suspended particle device film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is increased, and increases the translucency of said suspended particle device film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is reduced, thereby providing variable interior shading.

5. The laminated glass of claim 1 in the form of a conventional laminated glass bilayer glazing, wherein the device is contained in an air cavity of the conventional laminated glass bilayer glazing and the device comprises:

a) a photovoltaic cell for converting solar energy irradiated to the photovoltaic cell into electric energy; and

b) a thin film battery storing the electrical energy.

6. A laminated glazing comprised of at least one transparent glass layer and at least one transparent polymer layer, wherein adjacent glass layers, adjacent transparent polymer layers and adjacent glass and transparent polymer layers are separated by a transparent non-glass interlayer or an air cavity, wherein at least one of said transparent non-glass interlayer or said air cavity comprises a device comprised of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

7. The laminated glass of claim 6, wherein a microprocessor chip is provided external to the laminated glass that is programmed to control the solid state lighting elements and cause the solid state lighting elements to display a series of images.

8. The laminated glass of claim 6, used as an exterior window or wall, wherein said device is comprised of a light sensor, a liquid crystal display film and a means for controlling the translucency of said liquid crystal display film, whereby said means reduces the translucency of said liquid crystal display film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is increased, and said means increases the translucency of said liquid crystal display film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is reduced, thereby providing a variable degree of interior shading.

9. The laminated glass of claim 6, used as an exterior window or wall, wherein said device is comprised of a light sensor, a suspended particle device film, and means for controlling the translucency of said suspended particle device film, whereby said means reduces the translucency of said suspended particle device film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is increased, and increases the translucency of said suspended particle device film when the intensity of ambient light striking said sensor is reduced, thereby providing variable interior shading.

10. A luminous stair tread or floor tile consisting of a laminated glass according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the device further comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the foot stepping on the tread and the luminescence generated by the device is modified depending on the presence or absence of said pressure.

11. A luminous stair tread, stair railing, floor tile, interior partition or safety sign comprised of the laminated glass of claim 1.

12. A luminous stair tread or floor tile consisting of the laminated glass of claim 6, wherein the device further comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the foot stepping on the tread, and the luminescence produced by the device is varied depending on the presence or absence of said pressure.

13. A luminous stair tread, stair railing, floor tile, interior partition or safety sign comprised of the laminated glass of claim 6.

14. A hollow structural glass block in which there is an air cavity, wherein the air cavity comprises a device consisting of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

15. The hollow structural glass tile of claim 14, wherein said device further comprises a microprocessor chip programmed to control said solid state lighting elements and cause said solid state lighting elements to display a series of images.

16. The hollow structural glass tile of claim 14, wherein said device further comprises a transparent thin film capacitive sensor that detects movement of an object across the outer surface of said hollow structural glass tile and changes the luminescence produced by said device in response to said movement.

17. A structural laminated glass brick is composed of n layers of transparent glass and n-1 layers of transparent solid non-glass interlayers, wherein n is more than or equal to 2; all transparent glass layers and all transparent solid non-glass interlayers have substantially the same lateral dimensions; adjacent layers of transparent glass are separated by one of the transparent solid non-glass interlayers; and at least one of the transparent glass layer and the transparent solid non-glass interlayer is positioned to extend beyond the other of said layers on two adjacent edges of said structural laminated glass block.

18. The structural laminated glass block of claim 17, wherein the solid non-glass interlayer is comprised of SentryGlas * Plus ionoplast interlayer or polyvinyl butyral.

19. A glass wall or window comprised of the structural laminated glass block of any of claim 17.

20. The structural laminated glass block of any of claim 17, wherein at least one of the solid non-glass interlayers comprises a device consisting of at least one element selected from the group consisting of: solid state lighting elements, thermal sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, thin film capacitive sensors, photovoltaic cells, thin film batteries, liquid crystal display films, suspended particle device films, and transparent electrical conductors.

21. The structural laminated glass block of claim 20, wherein the device further comprises a microprocessor chip programmed to control the solid state lighting elements and cause the solid state lighting elements to display a series of images.

22. A glass wall or window comprised of the structural laminated glass block of claim 20.

23. A security lighting system, comprising:

(a) a sensor for detecting whether a safety problem exists;

(b) a lighting device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and

(c) a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the illumination device to apply a voltage across the at least one organic light emitting diode of the illumination device to activate the illumination device and thereby provide the desired illumination of the apparatus.

24. A smoke detection safety lighting system, comprising:

(a) a sensor to detect the presence of smoke;

(b) a lighting device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and

(c) a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the illumination device to apply a voltage across the at least one organic light emitting diode of the illumination device to activate the illumination device and thereby provide the desired illumination of the apparatus.

25. A gas detection safety lighting system, comprising:

(a) a sensor to detect the presence of a gas;

(b) a lighting device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and

(c) a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the illumination device to apply a voltage across the at least one organic light emitting diode of the illumination device to activate the illumination device and thereby provide the desired illumination of the apparatus.

26. A motion detection security lighting system, comprising:

(a) a sensor to detect the presence of motion;

(b) a lighting device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and

(c) a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the illumination device to apply a voltage across the at least one organic light emitting diode of the illumination device to activate the illumination device and thereby provide the desired illumination of the apparatus.

27. A power outage detection safety lighting system, comprising:

(a) a sensor comprising a light sensor;

(b) a lighting device comprising at least one organic light emitting diode; and

(c) a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the illumination device to apply a voltage across the at least one organic light emitting diode of the illumination device to activate the illumination device and thereby provide the desired illumination of the apparatus.