Abstract: A connecting device for photovoltaic-capable insulating glass comprises at least one retaining device laterally attached to the photovoltaic-capable insulating glass. In its installed state, the retaining device is open on at least one side which faces the intermediate space so that at least one ribbon is insertable into a clamping device inserted in the retaining device, and wherein the ribbon establishes an electrical contact for a photovoltaic device accommodated in the at least one intermediate space, and wherein the clamping device is provided with an electrical supply line such that the clamping device establishes an electrical clamping contact between the at least one ribbon and the electrical supply line.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic reflective element having a specularly reflective perimeter layer established at least partially around a perimeter border region of a second surface of a front substrate. The perimeter layer is, at least in part, visible through the front substrate to a viewer when viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element. The perimeter layer conceals at least a portion of the seal from direct view by the driver of the vehicle. At least one of (a) at least one light source is disposed behind the perimeter layer and emits light that is visible to a viewer viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element at the perimeter layer, and (b) a light sensor is disposed behind the perimeter layer and senses light that passes through the front substrate at the perimeter layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an active matrix electrochromic device includes preparing a first substrate including a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode. An electrochromic layer is formed on the pixel electrode by an electrophoretic process which includes immersing the first substrate and a mesh spaced apart from each other in a solution. While the first substrate is immersed in the solution so that the pixel electrode is soaked therein, a channel of the thin film transistor is opened by applying a voltage to the gate electrode, a potential difference between the pixel electrode and the mesh is generated by connecting a voltage source between a terminal electrically connected to the source electrode and the mesh, and materials in the solution are deposited on the pixel electrode, thereby forming the electrochromic semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, and a first current modulating layer, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: Compounds having the formula LiaEC1M1bM2cOx, wherein “a” ranges from about 0.5 to about 3; b+c ranges from about 0.1 to about 1; c/(b+c) ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.9; and wherein x is about 0.1 to about 50, are disclosed. Methods of making these compounds as well as their use in thin film materials and electrochromic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: Electrochromic materials can be used in a multitude of fields to yield different effects. Importantly, a single chromatic variation may be used as communication means. Systems are described that use chromatic variations in culturally-meaningful ways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Abstract: Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror element including a front element having a first front surface and a second rear surface. A cross-section of the second rear surface defines a first line. A rear element includes a third front surface and a fourth rear surface. Electrochromic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A spotter optic is located in the second rear surface of the front element. A cross-section of the spotter optic defines a second line. A transition region is disposed between the spotter optic and the second rear surface of the front element. A distance from a surface of the transition region to an intersection of the first line and the second line is between about 0.001 mm and 0.034 mm. At least a portion of the spotter optic includes a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the first front surface includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being smaller than the second radius of curvature.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising a counter electrode layer comprised of lithium metal oxide which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long-term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising such a counter electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-modulating electrical device is disclosed and a method for manufacturing a light-modulating electrical device. The method includes, as a single lamination process, positioning a light-modulating electrical unit at least partially within a recess, the recess provided in a first polymer film or an optically transparent polymer film, and fixing the optically transparent polymer film to the first polymer film so as to cover the light-modulating electrical unit. In one example, the light-modulating electrical unit is comprised of two or more sub-units and is itself formed as part of the lamination process.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying grey levels on electronic paper is provided. According to various embodiments, a system for electronic paper can include an electret substrate embedded with at least one first capsule containing a first plurality of charged pigment particles and at least one second capsule containing a second plurality of charged pigment particles. The system can further include a first electrode interfacing with one side of the electret substrate and a second electrode interfacing with a second side of the electret substrate. The first plurality of charged pigment particles can move in the direction of one of the first and second electrodes having a polarity that is opposite to that of the first plurality of the charged pigment particles in response to a voltage applied to the first and second electrodes that is greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: An electrochromic compound represented by the following General Formula (1) wherein E represents at least one of O, S, Se, and N—R; R represents at least one of a hydrogen atom, a substitutive aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and a substitutive aromatic hydrocarbon group; X1-X10 may be the same or different and each represent at least one of a hydrogen atom and a monovalent substituent; L1 and L2 may be the same or different and each represent a monovalent substituent; and A? and B? may be the same or different and each represent a monovalent anion.

Abstract: Ligand exchange thermochromic systems comprising a. a transition metal ion, iodide; and at least one material capable of minimizing or eliminating yellow color formation in the system, wherein at 25° C. the color coordinate b* value of the system is less than 30.

Abstract: A method for providing a printed optical illusion image having first and second illusion states, comprising: receiving a specification of an optical illusion image having one or more mutable portions; and printing the optical illusion image on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics can be switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus. The printed optical illusion image can be switched between the first and second illusion states by applying the appropriate external stimulus to controllably switch the one or more appearance mutable colorants between their first and second colorant states, thereby switching the mutable portions of the printed optical illusion image between corresponding first and second appearance states.

Abstract: A printed dynamic optical illusion printed on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics that can be controllably switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus, and wherein one or more mutable portions of the optical illusion image are printed using at least one appearance mutable colorant. The mutable portions are controllable such that when they are in a first appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a first illusion state, and when they are in a second appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a second illusion state, thereby changing the optical illusion image from the first illusion state to the second illusion state so as to affect the perception of an optical illusion by a human observer.

Abstract: An electrochromic element includes a pair of transparent electrodes, and an electrolyte layer and an electrochromic layer disposed between the pair of transparent electrodes. Transmittance of light is changed by a voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes. The electrochromic layer includes a first electrochromic layer and a second electrochromic layer stacked upon each other. Both of the first and second electrochromic layers are made of titanium oxide. The first electrochromic layer is in contact with one of the pair of transparent electrodes. The second electrochromic layer is in contact with an electrolyte-layer side of the first electrochromic layer. A refractive index n0 of the transparent electrode in contact with the first electrochromic layer, a refractive index n1 of the first electrochromic layer, and a refractive index n2 of the second electrochromic layer satisfy the relationship n0<n1<n2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: An electrochromic module including a first substrate and a second substrate is provided in which the first and/or the second substrate are/is electrically conductive or are/is equipped with an electrically conductive coaling. An electrochromic polymer coating is arranged on the substrate or the conductive coaling, an ion storage layer is arranged on the substrate or the conductive coating, and a polymer gel electrolyte is disposed in an electrically in-series connection between the electrochromic coating and the ion storage layer. The electrochromic polymer is a polymer of tetraarylbenzidine and (hetero)aromatic diol, which can be switched reversibly between redox states in a voltage-controlled manner. The condensation polymer is colourless in one redox state and colored in at least two redox states.

Abstract: A variable transmission window includes a first substrate having a first transparent conductor coated surface and a second substrate having a second transparent conductor coated surface. The second substrate is positioned relative to the first substrate with the first and second transparent conductor coated surfaces facing each other. An electrochromic medium is disposed between the first and second substrates whereby the transmission of light through the electrochromic medium is changed when an electrical potential is applied thereto. The electrochromic medium includes a cross-linked film. The window may be one of (i) an aeronautical glazing and (ii) a vehicle glazing, and/or the window may be a large area glazing of an area of at least 99 square inches.

Abstract: An electrochromic compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: Also disclosed is an electrochromic device including the electrochromic compound.

Abstract: A tunable photovoltaic electrochromic (PV-EC) device and module are provided. The device includes a transparent substrate, a thin film solar cell on the transparent substrate, a transparent conductive layer located on the transparent substrate beside the thin film solar cell, an EC material covering an exposed surface of the transparent conductive layer and the thin film solar cell, a switching apparatus, and a charge-discharge device coupled to the switching apparatus. The transparent conductive layer and a cathode layer of the thin film solar cell respectively serve as the anode and the cathode of the EC material simultaneously. The switching apparatus is electrically connected to the transparent conductive layer and electrically connected to the anode layer and the cathode layer of the thin film solar cell. The switching apparatus enters a control mode through a switch control signal.

Abstract: An exterior mirror reflective element includes front and rear substrates and a mirror reflector having a stack of thin films. No part of the rear substrate extends beyond any part of the front substrate. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge of the front substrate. Light that reflects off of the mirror reflector and passes through the electrochromic medium and the front substrate exhibits a substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic to a person viewing the reflective element when no voltage is applied to the electrochromic medium. The substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic is established by the refractive index and physical thickness of the individual thin films of the stack of thin films. At least a portion of the mirror reflector extends out under the seal towards a perimeter edge of the rear substrate.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for assembling an electrooptic (including electrochromic) devices, wherein the device comprises a step of forming solid electrolyte layer by in-situ polymerization of a liquid composition wherein the said liquid composition comprises at least one ionic liquid. The polymerization process may lead to formation of a crosslinked polymer, and such a process may be initiated by UV radiation. The electrochromic devices of this invention may be used as a display, window or a variable reflectivity automotive mirror.

Abstract: This invention recognizes the hazards of materials used to make electrochromic devices and the resulting mirror assemblies for automotive use. The invention provides novel ways to reduce these hazards and to manufacture these mirrors using renewable resources and smaller environmental footprint.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel electrochromic devices and polymer actuator materials where nanoparticles are used to make composites. In particular, the said nanoparticles are wire shaped and disc shaped. These composites allow EC devices to be made with improved performance, particularly display devices could be made that consume low power and can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrochromic materials and their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to electrochromic materials for use on an optical substrate, such as a lens, a semi-finished lens blank, and the like.

Abstract: A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical device (100) having electrically controllable optical and/or energy transmission properties comprising a substrate (40), a functional system (60) formed on the substrate and a cover film (56) formed on the functional system. The functional system comprises a bottom electrode coating (46), formed on the substrate, a top electrode coating (54) and at least one electrochemically active film (48, 52) located between the two electrode coatings, the electro-chemically active film being able to switch reversibly between a first state and a second state having optical and/or energy transmission properties different from the first state. The cover film defines at least one surface cavity (66) that passes through the cover film without penetrating the top electrode coating and the device comprises electrical connection means (70) arranged at least partially in at least one surface cavity for electrical contact with the top electrode coating.

Abstract: A cover for use in connection with one or more vehicle lights is provided. A lens of the cover contains an electrically activatable material that prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A device holds the lens with the device configured to be releasably or removably secured over one or more vehicle lights. The electrically activatable material of the lens is configured to get to the light inhibiting state such that the lens prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights to reduce the observability of the one or more vehicle lights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum-deposited solid state electrolyte layers with high ionic conductivity in electrochemical devices, and methods and tools for fabricating said electrolyte layers. An electrochemical device may comprise solid state electrolytes with incorporated thin layers and/or particles of transition metal oxides, silicon, silicon oxide, or other suitable materials that will induce an increase in ionic conductivity of the electrolyte stack (for example, materials with which lithium is able to intercalate), or mixtures thereof. An improvement in ionic conductivity of the solid state electrolyte is expected which is proportional to the number of incorporated layers or a function of the distribution uniformity and density of the particles within the electrolyte. Embodiments of the present invention are applicable to solid state electrolytes in a broad range of electrochemical devices including thin film batteries, electrochromic devices and ultracapacitors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing a display device arrangement, which includes a plurality of electrochromic pixel devices arranged in a matrix. First a plastic insulating layer is provided comprising passages for electrical conductors. Thereafter, in optional order, electrical conductors are provided in the passages, pixel layers are printed on one side of the insulating layer, and control layers are printed on the other side of the insulating layer. By this method the manufacturing of a printed electrochromic pixel device is improved.

Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode. An electrochromic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrochromic layer and one of the electrode layers. The electrochromic layer comprises the dehydration reaction product of a hydrolyzed aromatic component. An electrochromic composition comprises an aromatic component having an aromatic core and at least two silicon-based groups pending from the aromatic core. The silicon-based groups have a silicon-bonded group selected from the group of hydrolyzable groups, hydrolyzates of hydrolyzable groups, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly includes a heater pad disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes a first connector that electrically connects with the transparent electrically conductive coating disposed at the second surface of the front substrate, and a second connector that electrically connects with the metallic electrically conductive coating disposed at the third surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes third and fourth connectors that provide, at least in part, electrical conductive connection with a heating element. The connectors are part of a unitary multi-pin connector that is configured to connect with a corresponding wire harness connector to provide electrical power to the heating element and to the transparent electrically conductive coating and the metallic electrically conductive coating of the reflective element when the exterior minor assembly is mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: A reflective color display may include a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer facing each other. An electrochromatic layer may be formed on the first electrode layer. The electrochromatic layer may include an electrochromatic material that is structured to display a color, to appear black, or to become transparent according to a voltage applied thereto. An electrolyte layer may contact the electrochromatic layer. The electrolyte layer may be located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. A reflective layer may be disposed on the second electrode layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided. The device may be inserted within a frame. The device may include a substrate, an electrochromic coating, and a patterned layer. The electrochromic coating may overlie a portion of the substrate within a visible region of the substrate. The electrochromic coating may have an outer edge that is spaced from an outer boundary of the visible region of the substrate. The outer edge of the electrochromic coating and the outer boundary of the visible region may define a working region. The patterned layer may be deposited within the working region. The patterned layer may include a plurality of spaced apart shapes.

Abstract: Electrochromic device laminates and their method of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrochromic device laminates and their method of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochromic devices, including eyewear, windows, and displays, prepared by in situ formation of conjugated polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic display device comprising: a first and a second substrates; a first and a second electrodes; and an electrochromic composition layer, wherein the device is of a passive matrix drive where the a display and an erasion are performed by an energization in reverse directions between the electrodes, the first and the second electrodes respectively comprise a plurality of electrodes, a pixel is formed where the electrodes are in a grade separated crossing, and the display is performed by voltage application processing where: (i) the first electrode is set as negative, and the second electrode is set as positive, to apply a voltage of a first potential difference, immediately followed by (ii) the first electrode being set as positive, and the second electrode being set as negative, to apply a voltage of a second potential difference equal to or more than the first potential difference.

Abstract: An electrically programmable reticle is made using at least one electrochromatic layer that changes its optical transmissibility in response to applied voltages. Transparent conductor layers are configured to the desired patterns. The electrically programmable reticles are either patterned in continuous forms that have separately applied voltages or in a matrix of rows and columns that are addressed by row and column selects such that desired patterns are formed with the application of a first voltage level and reset with the application of a second voltage level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for at least one electrochromic window with—means for generating a charging current, to bring the window from a first state into a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state,—means for discharging the window, to bring the window from the second state into the first state, wherein the discharging of the window can be triggered by an emergency signal.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention is a substrate comprising multiple, independently controllable electrochromic zones, wherein each of the electrochromic zones share a common, continuous bus bar. In one embodiment, of the electrochromic zones are not completely isolated from each other. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have the same surface area. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have a different surface area.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention is a substrate comprising multiple, independently controllable electrochromic zones, wherein each of the electrochromic zones share a common, continuous bus bar. In one embodiment, of the electrochromic zones are not completely isolated from each other. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have the same surface area. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have a different surface area.