Electrochromic Patents (Class 359/265)
  • Patent number: 11307417
    Abstract: An electronic eyewear device includes a structure, a display assembly and a panel. The structure includes a frame that defines a display lens area and a free lens area, where the structure is wearable to position the display lens area across from a first eye of a user and the free lens area across from a second eye of the user. The display assembly includes a display surface provided in the display lens area. The panel attenuates light provided in the free lens area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Will Allen
  • Patent number: 11292393
    Abstract: The vehicle sanitizer dispenser is a mechanical structure that is for use with a cleaning solution. An example of a suitable cleaning solution is a hand sanitizer. The vehicle sanitizer dispenser is for use with a rear view mirror of an automobile. The vehicle sanitizer dispenser mounts on the anterior surface of the rearview mirror such that the vehicle sanitizer dispenser does not interfere with the operation of the rearview mirror. The vehicle sanitizer dispenser includes a reservoir, a plurality of mirror clips, and the cleaning solution. The reservoir contains and dispenses the cleaning solution. The plurality of mirror clips attach the reservoir to the rearview mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Maureen Baker, Daryl Baker
  • Patent number: 11287716
    Abstract: Methods and materials to fabricate electrochromic including electrochemical devices are disclosed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the composition, fabrication and incorporation of electrolytic sheets in these devices. Composition, fabrication and incorporation of redox layers and sealants suitable for these devices are also disclosed. Incorporation of EC devices in insulated glass system (IGU) windows is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: Polyceed Inc., Huntsman International LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Lori L. Adams, John P. Cronin, Zarif Farhana Mohd Aris, Lan Cao
  • Patent number: 11281065
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display panel assembly. The display panel assembly includes a display panel and a display switching device on a light outgoing surface of the display panel. The display switching device includes an electrode group and an electrochromic layer. The electrode group includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to receive voltage signals such that the electrochromic layer presents one of a transparent state for 2D display, a first pattern for auxiliary 3D display, or a second pattern for glasses-free 3D display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Wei
  • Patent number: 11275263
    Abstract: A partition wall pattern film including a transparent substrate; a first electrode layer provided on the transparent substrate; a partition wall pattern provided on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer pattern provided on an entire upper surface of the partition wall pattern and at least a part of a lateral surface of the partition wall pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Yong Goo Son, Nam Seok Bae, Seung Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 11269231
    Abstract: A controller system configured to clear an electro-optic device may include an electro-optic device having a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon; a second substrate having a first surface having a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon, and a second surface, the second substrate being approximately parallel to the first substrate such that a chamber is defined by the first and second substrates; and an electro-optic medium disposed in the chamber defined by the first and second substrates and in contact with the first and second layers of electrically conductive material; a controller in communication with the electro-optic device, wherein the controller is configured to control electrical power supplied to the electro-optic device and a potentiometer in communication with the electro-optic device and with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, Carl N. Wassink, Kevin L. Ash, Zachary J. Petroelje, Michael T. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 11255120
    Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus for testing an insulated glass unit is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a port coupled to the housing, where the port is configured to couple with a pigtail of an insulated glass unit. The apparatus includes a battery housed within the housing, where the battery is configured to provide power to an insulated glass unit. The apparatus includes an input interface which is coupled to the housing, where the input interface is configured to receive. The apparatus includes a controller which is housed within the housing and is configured to receive the input from the input interface, send commands to an insulated glass unit, and receive data from the insulated glass unit. The apparatus also includes one or more indicators coupled with the housing, where the one or more indicators are configured to indicate a status of the insulated glass unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Stephen Clark Brown, Kevin Kazuo Kaneshiro, Gordon E. Jack
  • Patent number: 11237447
    Abstract: An electrochromic element is provided that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are arranged to oppose each other, a first transparent electrode that is formed on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, a second transparent electrode that is formed on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate, and a coloration layer that is arranged between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The coloration layer includes an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, and a pattern or a concentration gradient of the electrochromic material is formed in at least a part of the coloration layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichiroh Yutani, Tomoo Fukuda, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Koh Fujimura, Tohru Yashiro, Takaaki Konno, Noboru Sasa
  • Patent number: 11237446
    Abstract: An optical assembly for an optical device. The optical assembly comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposite the first substrate. A dimming structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A light shielding structure is disposed on a surface of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate. The light shielding structure is configured to absorb at least one of ultraviolet light, near-ultraviolet light, infrared light, or far-infrared light in the sunlight and output an electrical control signal, and the dimming structure is configured to adjust light transmittance in response to the electrical control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Pengxia Liang
  • Patent number: 11230662
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to electrochromic devices including variable electrochromic light filter devices that may be configured to vary the transmissivity of light therethrough in response to an applied voltage from one or more control circuits, device components, electroactive photocurable compositions, cured electroactive polymer compositions used therein and methods of forming the aforementioned devices and electroactive polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 11230227
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element, a back plate, and an attaching element having first and second spring-loaded electrical connectors disposed thereat. The attaching element includes a cover element with the spring-loaded electrical connectors disposed thereat. The attaching element includes electrical leads that electrically connect to the spring-loaded electrical connectors and that electrically connect to an electrical connector. With the cover element attached at the attachment portion of the back plate, and with the back plate attached at the rear side of the mirror reflective element, the spring-loaded electrical connectors contact and are biased into electrical contact with respective electrically conductive elements disposed at the rear side of the mirror reflective element, and the electrical connector is disposed at the back plate and configured to electrically connect to a connector of a wire harness of the mirror assembly or of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Kendall, Michael J. Baur, Hans J. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 11205926
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is described that includes a transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface. An electrochromic device is arranged over the second surface that includes a first conductive layer adjacent the second surface, a second conductive layer, and an electrochromic layer between the first and the second conductive layers. The apparatus further includes at least one conductive antenna structure arranged over the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Stephen Clark Brown
  • Patent number: 11194211
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an electroactive device having a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and one or more electroactive layers sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers. One or more adjacent layers of the electroactive device may include a physical separation between a first portion and a second portion of the adjacent layers, the physical separation defining a respective tapered sidewall of each of the first and second portions. The one or more adjacent layers may include one of the first and second conductive layers. The remaining layers of the electroactive device may be formed over the physical separation of the one or more adjacent layers. The remaining layers may include the other of the first and second conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Harvey Kalweit, Satya Ajjarapu, Li-Ya Yeh, Jean-Christophe Giron
  • Patent number: 11194213
    Abstract: A method of controlling tint for a plurality of electrochromic devices, performed by a control system, is provided. The method includes receiving a request to change tint level of a plurality of electrochromic devices, and consulting transfer functions for tint level relative to drive for each of the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrochromic devices has a transfer function differing from at least one other of the plurality of electrochromic devices. The method includes driving each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in accordance with the transfer functions, so as to coordinate tint level or rate of change of tint level across the plurality of electrochromic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: HALIO, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Nagel, Wally Barnum, Jason Litzinger, Luis Gomez, Steve Coffin
  • Patent number: 11187956
    Abstract: An electrochromic element includes: a first electrode which transmits light; a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode; and an electrolyte containing metal and located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The metal is depositable on one of the first electrode and the second electrode, according to a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second deposition voltage at which deposition of the metal on the second electrode starts is higher than a first deposition voltage at which deposition of the metal on the first electrode starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Shotaro Ogawa, Makoto Morita, Akira Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 11181798
    Abstract: A system and method for color correction in an electrochromic device includes applying a stepped voltage profile to the electrochromic device in a high-transmission state to achieve a desired low-transmission state. Each step of the stepped voltage profile is at a step difference of about 0.01 volts to about 0.5 volts from an adjacent step with each successive step being at a varying voltage level and each of the steps is held for a time period from about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds. At the desired low-transmission state, the system and method include applying a reverse bias voltage from about 0.01 volts to about 0.5 volts for about 0.01 seconds to about 10 seconds to color correct the low-transmission state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Damoder Reddy, Brian Gergen
  • Patent number: 11175559
    Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode opposed to the first electrode at an interval, and an electrochromic layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrochromic layer contains an electrochromic material and a first ion-conducting material partially comprising a non-ion-conducting portion that does not conduct ions. The non-ion-conducting portion comprises a molecular unit structure having an atomic arrangement in which 8 or more atoms having a valence of 2 or more are bonded with each other. The atoms comprise heteroatoms in a number of 15% or less based on a total number of the atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Fuminari Kaneko, Yuto Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 11175560
    Abstract: In the electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present application, when the first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device in a state that the electrochromic element has the first state, the electrochromic device becomes the second state, and when the first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in a state that the electrochromic element has the fourth state, the electrochromic element becomes the third state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: LeapHigh Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Park, Byoung Dong Kim, Hyun Jong Kim, Cheol Hwan Kim, Sang Woo Yoo, Yun Chui Choi, Sung Joong Kim, Kwang Jin Jeon, Hyeon Jun Kong, Jin Ah Sohn
  • Patent number: 11161458
    Abstract: An electronic rearview mirror is provided, including a first light-transmissive assembly, a second light-transmissive assembly, an electro-optic medium layer, a display device, and an electrical connector. The first light-transmissive assembly may include a first light-receiving surface and a first light-exit surface. The second light-transmissive assembly may be disposed on the first light-receiving surface and include a second light-receiving surface and a second light-exit surface. The electro-optic medium layer may be disposed in the gap formed between the first light-receiving surface in the first light-transmissive assembly and the second light-exit surface in the second light-transmissive assembly. The third light-transmissive assembly may be adhered onto the second light-receiving surface by an optical adhesive and may include a third light-receiving surface and a third light-exit surface. The display device may include a third light-transmissive assembly and an image-projecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ability Opto-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeong-Ming Chang, Yi-Chi Cheng, Chien-Hsun Lai, Yao-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 11158788
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a memory element in a dielectric layer. A first conductive layer is deposited on the dielectric layer and the memory element by atomic layer deposition, and a second conductive layer is deposited on the first conductive layer by physical vapor deposition. In the method, the first and second conductive layers are patterned into an electrode on the memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Brew, Iqbal Rashid Saraf, Injo Ok, Nicole Saulnier, Praneet Adusumilli
  • Patent number: 11156892
    Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided which may efficiently supply electrons to an anode layer that donates electrons externally during initial driving of the device, thereby preventing the structural weakening of the device and improve the electrical stability and durability of the device, and to a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, an anode layer and a second electrode, which are sequentially deposited between opposite first and second transparent substrates. The electrolyte layer includes: a first electrolyte layer configured to provide electrolyte ions to the cathode and anode layers; and a second electrolyte layer formed between the first electrolyte layer and the anode layer to have a thinner thickness than the first electrolyte layer and having a mixture of the same electrolyte as that of the first electrolyte layer and a reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventors: Jung-Pil Kim, Hae-Sung Jang
  • Patent number: 11137658
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: VIEW, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Deepika Khowal, Namrata Vora
  • Patent number: 11119378
    Abstract: A dimming laminate (10) includes: a dimming substrate (18) in which a dimming function material (16) is provided between two first transparent substrates (12) and (14); and a second transparent substrate (22) that is bonded to one first transparent substrate (12) through an adhesive layer (20). Each of the first transparent substrates (12) and (14) has a different average thermal expansion coefficient at 50-350° C. from that of the second transparent substrate (22). In the dimming laminate (10), a third transparent substrate (26) is bonded to the other first transparent substrate (14) through an adhesive layer (24), and an average thermal expansion coefficient at 50-350° C. is equal between the third transparent substrate (26) and the second transparent substrate (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: AGC INC., AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC., AGC VIDROS DO BRASIL LTDA.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakamura, Tetsuya Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 11099453
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a light modulator comprising transparent substrates, or a transparent substrate and a reflective or partially reflective substrate, multiple electrodes being applied to the substrates in a pattern across the substrate. A controller may apply an electric potential to the electrodes to obtain an electro-magnetic field between the electrodes providing electrophoretic movement of the particles towards or from an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ELSTAR DYNAMICS PATENTS B.V.
    Inventors: Romaric Mathieu Massard, Steven Van Mullekom
  • Patent number: 11099449
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of crystalline anodic electrochromic particles, size-reducing the crystalline anodic electrochromic particles by grinding to produce crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanostructures, and coating the crystalline anodic electrochromic nanostructures onto a substrate to produce a thin film. An electrochromic multi-layer stack is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KINESTRAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Giaquinta, Hye-Jin Choi, John Roudebush, Brian Wiers, Ellen Murphy, Howard Turner
  • Patent number: 11090767
    Abstract: A machining apparatus for a curved plate includes a holder that holds a main surface of a curved plate having curved surfaces on both main surfaces; a machining device that machines an outer circumference of the curved plate held by the holder; a movable frame that retains the machining device; a driver that moves the movable frame to move a machining point of the curved plate held by the holder; a controller that controls the driver; and a guide that guides the movable frame along the outer circumference of the curved plate held by the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Masabumi Ito, Itsuro Watanabe, Hiroyuki Ezura, Masahiro Deguchi, Keisuke Kato
  • Patent number: 11078721
    Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Robin Friedman, Vinod Khosla, Rao Mulpuri, Anshu A. Pradhan
  • Patent number: 11067870
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an electrochromic system. The system may include one or more electrochromic devices and a central control device. Each electrochromic device may include two glass layers, two adhesive layers, an electrochromic film, a controller, and a control device. The two adhesive layers may be disposed on inner surfaces of the two glass layers. The electrochromic film may be disposed between the two adhesive layers, the electrochromic film including an electrochromic material layer, a solid polymer electrolyte, and a charge storage layer. The controller may include a power converter, a signal receiver, and a power output. The power converter may be configured to receive power from a power source. The power source may include an energy storage integrated with the controller. The signal receiver may be configured to receive a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: FURCIFER INC.
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Yan Zhou
  • Patent number: 11054713
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an assembly comprising multiple switchable electrochromic individual panes, to set a transmittance individually in each case for these by a respective electrical actuation signal, wherein respective data of the state at the time of each individual pane are recorded by a control device and a configuration of the respective actuation signal is established in each case for each individual pane on the basis of the state data. The configurations of the actuation signals are thereby made to match one another in such a way that the individual panes have preferably the same transmittance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rene Hinterberger, Peter Gubesch, Tobias Frischmuth, Johannes Greil, Andreas Egger
  • Patent number: 11054712
    Abstract: Methods for cutting strengthened glass are disclosed. The methods can include using a laser. The strengthened glass can include chemically strengthened, heat strengthened, and heat tempered glass. Strengthened glass with edges showing indicia of a laser cutting process are also disclosed. The strengthened glass can include an electrochromic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: KINESTRAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Howard S. Bergh, Nicolas Timmerman
  • Patent number: 11041236
    Abstract: A method of growing patterns of an atomic layer of metal dichalcogenides, the method including providing a substrate, providing aligned patterns of carbon nanostructures on the substrate, providing a first metal portion in contact with a first portion of the patterns of carbon nanostructures and a second metal portion in contact with a second portion of the patterns of carbon nanostructures, depositing a salt layer on the substrate and the patterns of carbon nanostructures, resistively heating the patterns of carbon nanostructures to remove the patterns of carbon nanostructures and salt deposited thereon from the substrate, wherein removing the patterns of carbon nanostructures and salt deposited thereon from the substrate provides salt patterns on the substrate, and growing an atomic layer of metal dichalcogenides on the salt patterns, wherein the atomic layer of metal dichalcogenides is provided in aligned patterns each having a pre-defined width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Avetik Harutyunyan
  • Patent number: 11042072
    Abstract: A light beam direction control element includes: a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate which is disposed facing the first transparent substrate; light shielding elements which are disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; light transmission regions which are disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and whose sidewalls are surrounded by any of the light shielding elements; a resin layer which is disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, surrounds an outer circumference of a light transmission region pattern formed by the light transmission regions, and includes a sealed first opening unit; and a first buffer region which is sandwiched between a surface including the first opening unit of the resin layer and the light transmission region pattern, and in which the light shielding elements are injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: TIANMA JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Shiota, Takumi Usukura
  • Patent number: 11032407
    Abstract: In one aspect, the appearance of a back cover for a mobile device may be changed. For example, the back cover may include a film that affects the appearance of the back of the mobile device, such as the color or tint. By changing properties of the film, the appearance of the mobile device is also changed. Examples of such films include electrochromic films, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal or polymer network liquid crystal, and suspended particle films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Furcifer Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Yan Zhou
  • Patent number: 10989945
    Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Eric Berner, Eric Bjergaard, Timothy Braun, Andrew DeMiglio, Chad Peters
  • Patent number: 10989844
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicular interior prismatic rearview mirror assembly includes providing a glass mirror substrate. The rear surface of the glass mirror substrate is coated with a reflector coating, and a protective coating is disposed over the reflector coating. A rear perimeter edge region of the glass mirror substrate is chamfered so that an angled surface is disposed between the rear surface and the perimeter edge. The reflector coating and the protective coating are disposed at the rear surface where the angled surface meets the rear surface. An encapsulant is disposed about a perimeter region of the rear surface so as to encompass and overlay the reflector coating and the protective coating at the rear surface and so as to encompass and overlay a portion of the angled surface, with no part of the encapsulant being disposed at the forward rounded perimeter region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Hamid Habibi, Quinton R. Prys
  • Patent number: 10969645
    Abstract: Electrochromic devices comprise first and second conductors, wherein at least one of the first and second conductors is a multi-layered conductor. The electrochromic devices further comprise an electrochromic stack between the conductors adjacent to a substrate. The at least one multi-layered conductor comprises a metal layer sandwiched between a first non-metal layer and a second non-metal layer such that the metal layer does not contact the electrochromic stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Rozbicki, Anshu A. Pradhan, Sridhar Karthik Kailasam, Robin Friedman, Gordon E. Jack, Dane Thomas Gillaspie
  • Patent number: 10953805
    Abstract: Provided is a blind spot detection module, including: a light source module linked with a sensor signal for detection of an object in an area behind a vehicle to emit light; and a reflector module including a warning optical pattern for transmitting light emitted from the light source module, wherein the light source module comprises a light guide member adopted to receive a light emitting element and to guide light to the reflector module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Moo Ryong Park, Jin Hee Kim, Byoung Eon Lee, Hyun Duck Yang, Kwang Ho Park
  • Patent number: 10955717
    Abstract: An electrochromic device with one pigmentary color layer and one structural color layer is disclosed. The pigmentary color layer comprises electrochromic materials, which allow reversible and gradient switches between a colored state and a bleached state by electric field. In a colored state, the electrochromic device presents saturated pigmentary-structural additive color. In a bleached state, the structural color gradually vanished and leads to the optical transmissive state. The color coupling between these two color layers provides the disclosed devices with broader color gamut and angle-dependent optical response. Multiplexed and patterned devices have been further fabricated to demonstrate bio-mimic camouflage potentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: AMBILIGHT INC.
    Inventors: Ke Chen, Jianguo Mei
  • Patent number: 10948797
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods for controlling an optical transition in an optically switchable device, and optically switchable devices configured to perform such methods. In various embodiments, non-optical (e.g., electrical) feedback is used to help control an optical transition. The feedback may be used for a number of different purposes. In many implementations, the feedback is used to control an ongoing optical transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventor: Anshu A. Pradhan
  • Patent number: 10948795
    Abstract: Methods and materials to fabricate electrochromic including electrochemical devices are disclosed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the composition, fabrication and incorporation of electrolytic sheets in these devices. Composition, fabrication and incorporation of redox layers and sealants suitable for these devices are also disclosed. Incorporation of EC devices in insulated glass system (IGU) windows is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Polyceed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Lori L. Adams, John P. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10914555
    Abstract: Provided is an active camouflage device including a reflective layer, a first electrode disposed on the reflective layer, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an electrolyte provided between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes a transparent electrode, and the second electrode includes a metal mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae-Youb Kim, Juhee Song, Chil Seong Ah, Seong-Mok Cho, Sujung Kim, Joo Yeon Kim, Hojun Ryu, Jeong Ik Lee, Sang Hoon Cheon, Chi-Sun Hwang
  • Patent number: 10914118
    Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: VIEW, INC.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Robin Friedman, Vinod Khosla, Rao Mulpuri, Anshu A. Pradhan
  • Patent number: 10900277
    Abstract: A monolithic method of forming an electrochromic (EC) pane unit, the method including: forming a first electrode via a solution deposition process, on a first conductive layer disposed on a transparent first substrate, forming an electrolyte layer on the first electrode via a sol-gel process, forming a second electrode on the electrolyte layer via a solution deposition process, and forming a second conductive layer on the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HELIOTROPE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Holt, Guillermo Garcia, Scott Thomsen
  • Patent number: 10895793
    Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating electrochromic devices that mitigate formation of short circuits under a top bus bar without predetermining where top bus bars will be applied on the device. Devices fabricated using such methods may be deactivated under the top bus bar, or may include active material under the top bus bar. Methods of fabricating devices with active material under a top bus bar include depositing a modified top bus bar, fabricating self-healing layers in the electrochromic device, and modifying a top transparent conductive layer of the device prior to applying bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Karthik Kailasam, Dhairya Shrivastava, Zhiwei Cai, Robert T. Rozbicki, Dane Thomas Gillaspie, Todd William Martin, Anshu A. Pradhan, Ronald M. Parker
  • Patent number: 10892206
    Abstract: A method of forming a bonding assembly that includes positioning a plurality of polymer spheres against an opal structure and placing a substrate against a second major surface of the opal structure. The opal structure includes the first major surface and the second major surface with a plurality of voids defined therebetween. The plurality of polymer spheres encapsulates a solder material disposed therein and contacts the first major surface of the opal structure. The method includes depositing a material within the voids of the opal structure and removing the opal structure to form an inverse opal structure between the first and second major surfaces. The method further includes removing the plurality of polymer spheres to expose the solder material encapsulated therein and placing a semiconductor device onto the inverse opal structure in contact with the solder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Shailesh N. Joshi
  • Patent number: 10890820
    Abstract: Window units, for example insulating glass units (IGU's), that have at least two panes, each pane having an electrochromic device thereon, are described. Two optical state devices on each pane of a dual-pane window unit provide window units having four optical states. Window units described allow the end user a greater choice of how much light is transmitted through the electrochromic window. Also, by using two or more window panes, each with its own electrochromic device, registered in a window unit, visual defects in any of the individual devices are negated by virtue of the extremely small likelihood that any of the visual defects will align perfectly and thus be observable to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Friedman, Sridhar Kailasam, Rao Mulpuri, Ronald A. Powell, Dhairya Shrivastava
  • Patent number: 10885431
    Abstract: A neuromorphic device includes a first electrode layer arranged on a substrate, and an electrolyte layer arranged on the first electrode layer. The electrolyte layer includes a solid electrolyte material. The neuromorphic device further includes an ion permeable, electrically conductive membrane arranged on the electrolyte layer and an ion intercalation layer arranged on the ion permeable, electrically conductive membrane. The neuromorphic device includes a second electrode layer arranged on the ion intercalation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teodor K. Todorov, John Rozen, Douglas M. Bishop
  • Patent number: 10850666
    Abstract: A system such as a vehicle may have windows. A window may be provided with a light modular or other active layer having an electrically adjustable optical property. The active layer may have a pair of electrodes. The electrodes may be used to apply electric fields across the active layer to adjust the active layer. A lower sheet resistance electrode may be supplied with a current to ohmically heat the active layer. A higher sheet resistance electrode may be supplied with a voltage gradient to create a gradient in light transmission or other optical property as a function of distance across the higher sheet resistance electrode. The electrodes may be provided with terminals that are formed from elongated strips of metal or other terminal structures. The terminals may run along the peripheral edges of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Melcher, James R. Wilson, Khadijeh Bayat
  • Patent number: 10838279
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to relates to heat-resistant gel electrolyte materials and their uses, for example, in electrochromic devices such as electrochromic windows. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an electrolyte material including a polymer of ethyleneimine, optionally at least partially crosslinked (e.g., with an epoxide crosslinker such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A); a lithium salt (e.g., lithium perchlorate); and a high-boiling solvent (e.g., DMSO). The electrolyte materials can be used in electrochromic devices, such as electrochromic windows, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Minoru Taya, Nishita Anandan
  • Patent number: 10831077
    Abstract: Electrochromic devices and methods may employ the addition of a defect-mitigating insulating layer which prevents electronically conducting layers and/or electrochromically active layers from contacting layers of the opposite polarity and creating a short circuit in regions where defects form. In some embodiments, an encapsulating layer is provided to encapsulate particles and prevent them from ejecting from the device stack and risking a short circuit when subsequent layers are deposited. The insulating layer may have an electronic resistivity of between about 1 and 108 Ohm-cm. In some embodiments, the insulating layer contains one or more of the following metal oxides: aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, silicon aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, tungsten oxide, nickel tungsten oxide, and oxidized indium tin oxide. Carbides, nitrides, oxynitrides, and oxycarbides may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar K. Kailasam, Robin Friedman, Dane Gillaspie, Anshu A. Pradhan, Robert T. Rozbicki, Disha Mehtani