Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions Commercialize Privacy Glass Technology

Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions have entered into an agreement for the commercialization of Lyto, the full blackout, between-the-glass, automated micro-shade technology designed and developed by Guardian Glass.

The innovative Lyto technology provides complete blackout in just a few seconds for windows, doors, privacy glazing in bedrooms and bathrooms, skylights, and entry doors. The solution also has potential in buildings where control of daylight and the comfort and privacy of occupants is particularly important, such as health care and educational facilities.  

Guardian Glass has licensed its patented Lyto technology to Privacy Glass Solutions, a designer and manufacturer of privacy glazing solutions for exterior and interior applications, who will produce and commercialize the product in the United States. The product is expected to be available from Privacy Glass Solutions by the end of 2024. Initially, the product will be available in one color combination, white/off white. Additional color combinations to follow after launch. 

The main benefits of Lyto technology 

• Fast and quiet: Lyto technology offers blackout at the touch of a button in just a few seconds. The shade is embedded between the glass and deploys quietly and without a motor using electrostatic forces. 

• Easy to implement and control: with low power demands, Lyto technology does not need to be hard-wired into the main power supply but can be battery-powered. Batteries can last for around 10 months in typical use, but the technology can be upgraded with optional photovoltaic-solar power recharging, which eliminates the need to recharge the battery. It can be activated by a manual switch, dedicated wireless remote controls or through connected smart home apps. Various levels of automation are available through the apps. 

• Low solar heat gain: when deployed, the shade provides a very low solar heat gain. In most configurations, it can block over 95% (<5% SHGC) of the sun’s energy when closed, to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature when external temperatures are high.  

How does Lyto technology work? 

The technology is sleek, adaptable and the shade is completely contained within a double or triple insulating glass unit. With no mechanical parts, this new shade solution isn’t subject to the mechanical failures. The shade is activated in seconds by passing a small current through the conductive layers creating an electrostatic attraction between the ultra-thin shade and the glass surface. 

“Privacy Glass Solutions is thrilled to be chosen by Guardian Glass as the original manufacturing partner for the phenomenal Lyto product. This collaboration perfectly complements our existing product range and reinforces our reputation as innovators. It enables us to enhance our offerings to clients for health care, education, hospitality and residential applications, to name a few. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and are committed to delivering exceptional results with this innovative product," says Kevin Roth, founder and CEO, Privacy Glass Solutions.

"The Lyto product is new and unique to the glazing market, and Privacy Glass Solutions is a leading manufacturer of privacy solutions for the health care market and learning institutions. This agreement exemplifies our dedication to leveraging preferred partnerships to commercialize a technology and provide great market opportunities," says Vince Westerhof, vice president of North American sales, Guardian Glass. 

Privacy Glass Solutions will be presenting the Lyto product at GlassBuild America in Dallas, Texas, from September 30 through October 2, 2024, at Booth 15004. They will also be showcasing it at the WMA World Millwork Alliance tradeshow in San Antonio, from October 6-9, Booth 631.