Zaščita oči (Slovene)

Based on the research results during the Project implementation, an EU and USA patent was granted to Jožef Stefan Institute (EP 1883854 and US 8,026,998) for the new operational concept of LCD light shutters that allows for significantly improved homogeneity of the light attenuation. The latter is particularly important for the active eye-protective welding filters. The most recent upgrade of this light shutter concept has been published as a US patent application (2012) - US 2012/0002121.

The “spin-off” company of Jožef Stefan Institute, Balder, has successfully introduced the Intellectual property of Jožef Stefan Institute in the field of LCD light shutters (patents EP 1883854 and US 8,026,998 + US patent application US 2012/0002121) in its regular production of the automatic eye-protective welding filters (attachment 2). Therefore Balder is for the last couple years the only producer of these products in the World that exhibit the highest optical quality (CE and DIN Plus 1/1/1/1) according to the International Safety Standard EN 379 (attachment 3). New findings based on the Clinical Research of the effects of strong light and intense light pulses on human eyes have contributed to better understanding and therefore also to increased safety, performance and overall comfort of the welders. Furthermore, the excellent performance of Balder’s LCD welding filters was finally the main reason for the invitation of the International Standard Organization (ISO) to Balder and IJS to actively participate in ISO expert group preparing new ISO Standard: “Occupational Eye and Face Protection”. Based on the superior performance and comparative advantage of Balder’s automatic welding filters a multinational corporation Kimberly Clark decided to buy the Company Balder. Being integrated in the Kimberly Clark System, Balder keeps its trade name and continues its production in Slovenia. Furthermore, the American part of production of the welding filters going to be transferred to Balder (June 2013) – opening new jobs in Slovenia.