Inovues announces that its Glazing Shield™ technology was granted its first utility patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, No. 10,280,679, was issued on May 7, 2019, and has a priority date of April 12, 2017. The 679 patent is the first in a series of patent applications that were filed in the United States and internationally that describe Inovues' proprietary glazing system, retrofit method, and other aspects that enable the integration of smart window technologies.
Inovues Glazing Shield is a non-intrusive glazing retrofit system that enables the windows and glass facades of buildings to incorporate the latest high-performance glass/glazing products and smart window technologies without replacing the existing window system and disrupting the building or occupants. Inovues Glazing Shields can increase window insulation by up to 10 times and can save owners up to 40% on energy consumption while also increasing occupant comfort. Until now, energy savings of this magnitude could only be achieved with window glazing replacement that is much more expensive in many respects.
Inovues' technology provides a highly compact and lightweight glazing platform that can be securely mounted on the original glass from inside or outside and transform it, in situ, into a multi-pane insulating glass unit—which is typically produced in a glass fabrication facility. Inovues' system makes it technically possible, and economically feasible, to transform inefficient, single- or double-glazed windows and curtain-walls into high-performing double- or triple-glazed systems without removing, replacing, drilling, or altering any part of them.
The 679 patent comes after more than three years of development and testing per industry standards. The technology has attracted the attention of key industry stakeholders including building owners who want to be included in the demonstration of the product's benefits on their own building. Several pilot projects in different climate zones in the United States are planned over the coming few months. The system is expected to be ready for full commercialization starting next year.