Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an image display portion formed of a pair of substrates disposed opposite to each other and having a peripheral edge sealed in order to form a sealed gap, and an insulating liquid and a plurality of coloring charged particles disposed in the sealed gap. The image display apparatus controls positions of the coloring charged particles and displays an image. The apparatus includes a movable sheet member disposed to be movable in the gap between the pair of substrates, a writing unit arranged outside the image display portion, and a unit for moving the movable sheet member and writing unit in a direction substantially parallel to the substrates and in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: (1) a solvent; (2) a cathodic electroactive material; (3) an anodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and (4) a color-stabilizing additive, wherein the color-stabilizing additive is electroactive within a normal operating voltage of the electrochromic device; and (d) means associated with the color-stabilizing additive for maintaining an at least nearly colorless electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in an open circuit and/or zero potential state relative to the same device without the color-stabilizing additive.

Abstract: This invention concerns an electochromic device comprising an electrode including a nanostructured metal oxide film, doped to metallic levels of conductivity and optionally modified by chemisorption of an electroactive compound. Such an electrochromic device is suitable for applications where optical modulation is required, such as large area static displays and automatically dimmable rear-view mirrors. The invention also concerns conducting nanostructured metal oxide films and electrodes comprising same and which are suitable for use in the electrochromic device.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electro-optic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The optical coating preferably includes photocatalytic layer(s), a hydrophilic layer, and a color suppression coating. The electro-optic device is preferably an electrochromic mirror. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°. The mirror exhibits a C* value of less than 25.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible electrodeposition optical modulation device employing a segmented counter electrode that permits localized areas of a continuous optical modulation electrode to be switched independently of each other. Such devices can be configured to enable practically seamless switching over the entire device for smart window and adjustable mirror applications, or to minimize cross-talk and pixel overlap for display applications. Since the electrical contacts and switching circuitry are located on the counter electrode, more active area is available for optical modulation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible electrochrome structure operating in reflection at wavelengths between 0.35 and 20 &mgr;m. It comprises a microporous membrane including an electrolyte and, deposited on each of the surfaces of the microporous membrane, in a symmetrical manner in relation to said membrane, successively and in this order: a layer forming a reflecting electrode, a layer of electrochrome conductive polymer, and a flexible window transparent to wavelengths between 0.35 and 20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention describes an electrochromic display element in the form of an electrically dimmable mirror, an optical filter having an electrically alterable transparency or a display element which contains an electrochromic liquid between two electrode sheets, where at least one of the electrode sheets is transparent and has a transparent, electrically conductive layer and the transparent electrode sheet has a pattern of strips or grid made of a material having metallic conductivity in order to produce a uniform coloration of the electrochromic liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a stable display device. The display device includes a pair of substrates that face each other, a spacer formed on one of the pair of substrates, a resin to fix one end of the spacer adjacent to the other substrate to the other substrate, and first and second particles of different colors and different electric characteristics all sealed in the inner space formed by the pair of substrates and the spacer.

Abstract: The invention is a display device comprising a solid top transparent, charge conducting material, positioned below the transparent solid material is an active layer comprising an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, and positioned below the active layer is a working electrode and a counter-electrode arranged to be isolated from one another, wherein the distance between the working and the counter electrode is greater than two times the thickness of the active layer between the electrode and the conductive material.

Abstract: There is provided a solid-state electrochromic device including a lower transparent conductive layer (12) formed into filmy shape on a glass substrate, partially provided with a groove (12b), and insulated with the groove (12b), an electrochromic layer (13) layered on the lower transparent conductive layer (12), and an upper transparent conductive layer (14) in direct contact with an insulated portion (12a) of the lower transparent conductive layer. Metal foil terminals (17) made of a metal foil (17a) to which an electrically conductive adhesive material (17b) is applied are bonded to an end of a body portion (12c) of the lower transparent conductive layer and an end of the insulated portion (12a) of the insulated lower transparent conductive layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: (1) a solvent; (2) a cathodic electroactive material; (3) an anodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and (4) a color-stabilizing additive, wherein the color-stabilizing additive is electroactive within a normal operating voltage of the electrochromic device; and (d) means associated with the color-stabilizing additive for maintaining an at least nearly colorless electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in an open circuit and/or zero potential state relative to the same device without the color-stabilizing additive.

Abstract: The invention includes many applications for electrochromic devices that require neutral colors and patterned electrodes. It uses novel materials, ways of making the materials, device configurations and applications. In one aspect, the device also includes electrical leads (115,116), transparent conductor layers (135,136), patterned EC layers (143,144), an etch line (99) and a substrate (125).

Abstract: The invention is a matrix addressable electrochromic display device comprising a top electrode structure comprising at least one transparent or semi-transparent and substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, a bottom electrode structure comprising at least one substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, wherein at least one of the top or bottom electrode structures comprises two or more of said electrodes and the top and bottom electrode structures are positioned to form at least two separate regions where the top electrodes are positioned above the bottom electrodes and between the top electrode structure and the bottom electrode structure is positioned an active layer comprising an electrolyte and an electrochromic material.

Abstract: A supported or self-supporting electrochromic device is provided having (a) at least one electrochromic element comprising (i) at least one material that is electrically conducting in at least one material that is electrically conducting in at least one oxidation state and (ii) at least one electrochromic material, wherein said materials (i) and (ii) can be the same or different, (b) at least one layer of a solidified electrolyte which is in direct electrical contact with said electrochromic element, and (c) at least two electrodes adapted to be electrically connected to a voltage supply so as to create a difference in potential therebetween, with each of said electrodes being in direct electrical contact with at least one of said electrolyte layer(s) and not in direct electrical contact with said electrochromic element. Displays incorporating such a device, as well as processes for the production of such a device are contemplated. A method for addressing an electrochemically active element also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible electrodeposition optical modulation device employing an ionic liquid electrolyte, which is comprised of a mixture of an ionic organic compound and the salt of an electrodepositable metal. The solventless ionic liquid can contain very high concentrations of electrodepositable metal ions and provides the high current carrying capability needed for fast device switching. Switching uniformity is also significantly improved since the electrolyte resistance is at least an order of magnitude higher than that of typical solvent-based electrolytes. Fast switching and good cycle life for high quality mirror electrodeposits in reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices was demonstrated. Best results were obtained for novel silver halide electrolytes employing pyrrolidinium and N-methylpyrrolidinium cations.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes a transparent conductive substrate, a reflective conductive substrate, and an ion conductive layer disposed between the transparent conductive substrate and reflective conductive substrate. A highly conductive layer is provided on a conductive surface of at least one of the conductive substrates on a portion of the surface near its peripheral edge. The highly conductive layer has a smaller resistance than the surface resistance of the conductive surface upon which it is disposed.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes a security system for monitoring breakage of the electrochromic window assembly. Control circuitry is connected to the electrochromic window assembly for monitoring an electrical characteristic of one or more conductive coatings within the electrochromic window assembly, such as electrical resistance. Upon detecting a change in the electrical resistance, such as that caused by a break in one or more conductive coating, an alarm signal is generated and is sent to an alarm trigger circuit for activating an alarm. A method for monitoring penetration or breakage of an electrochromic window assembly is also provided, which method involves applying electrical activation to an electrochromic assembly and monitoring for a change in an electrical characteristic based on the applied electrical potential. Electrochromic window assemblies incorporating security alarm features in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful in automobile applications.

Abstract: An electrochromic or photoelectrochromic device possessing the property of changing color under the effect of an electric voltage and/or of a variation in the intensity of a light radiation, this device comprising at least one cathode and one anode, at least one of these electrodes being constituted at least in part of a transparent or translucent substrate bearing an electrically conductive coating, and an electrolyte arranged between these electrodes, and an electric circuit connecting said cathode and anode, characterized in that at least one of these electrodes carries a coating constituted of at least one nanocrystalline layer of at least one semiconductive material, having a roughness factor equal to at least 20, and a monolayer of electrically active molecules or of an electrically active polymer, said monolayer being absorbed on the surface of this coating, and in that the device contains at least one auxiliary electrically active compound, possibly dissolved in the electrolyte, having the property of

Abstract: The invention is a matrix addressable electrochromic display device comprising a top electrode structure comprising at least one transparent or semi-transparent and substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, a bottom electrode structure comprising at least one substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, wherein at least one of the top or bottom electrode structures comprises two or more of said electrodes and the top and bottom electrode structures are positioned to form at least two separate regions where the top electrodes are positioned above the bottom electrodes and between the top electrode structure and the bottom electrode structure is positioned an active layer comprising an electrolyte and an electrochromic material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for and method of creating electrically modifiable images using a computer printer. In one embodiment, one or more ink reservoirs of a printer cartridge are filled with an electrochromic ink. The printer thus prepared can be used to print electrochromic patterns on a surface using standard ink application methods. In certain embodiments, more than one ink reservoir is filled with electrochromic ink. In these embodiments, separate reservoirs are filled with separate ink formulations so that the characteristics of the electrochromic pattern can be varied.

Abstract: A supported or self-supporting electrochromic device is provided, comprising:

Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a normally operating electrochromic device comprising an anodic material and a cathodic material wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, an additive, and means associated with the additive for maintaining a colorless or nearly colorless electrochromic medium while the electrochromic medium is in a high transmission state relative to an electrochromic medium without the additive

Abstract: Electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices using nanocrystalline semiconductor electrodes with a high specific surface area and surface-absorbed electrochromic molecules are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a substrate in which sets of optically anisotropic spheroidal balls are disposed, as for use in an electrical twisting ball display. First and second sets of spheroidal balls, are deposited on a receiving surface composed of an elastomer substrate material in an adhesive state, the spheroidal balls thus deposited adhering to the receiving surface. Balls of the first and second sets are physically distinguishable from one another. Balls of the first set can be deposited in a first arrangement, and balls of the second set, in a second arrangement. Each ball of each set has an optical anisotropy and an anisotropy for providing an electrical dipole moment, the electrical dipole moment rendering the ball electrically responsive such that when the ball is rotatably disposed in an electric field while the electrical dipole moment of the ball is provided, the ball tends to rotate to an orientation in which the electrical dipole moment aligns with the field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic device having (a) a pair of glass or plastic plates or plastic films wherein at least one such plate or film is provided on one side each with an electrically conductive coating, wherein (1) at least one such plate or film and its conductive coating is transparent, (2) the other such plate or film and its conductive coating is optionally mirrored, (3) the electrically conductive layer of one or both of the two plates or films is optionally divided into separate segments optionally provided with individual contacts, and (4) the plates or films are joined on the sides of their conductive coating by means of a sealing ring to form a volume; and (b) the volume formed by the two plates or films and the sealing ring is filled with an electrochromic medium containing certain dihydronaphthazines or dihydrophenazines.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochromic glazing system, with an electrochromic pane unit and at least one other pane, which are joined to one another in the edge area by means of a spacer frame, forming an interspace, and with a temperature sensor for detection of the temperature of the electrochromic pane unit. To optimize its location, according to the invention the temperature sensor is arranged in the region of the spacer frame, between the electrochromic pane unit and the other pane. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the spacer frame area represents a thermal bridge between the panes of a double-glazing unit which is especially suitable for the arrangement of a temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes a security system for monitoring breakage of the electrochromic window assembly. Control circuitry is connected to the electrochromic window assembly for monitoring an electrical characteristic of one or more conductive coatings within the electrochromic window assembly, such as electrical resistance. Upon detecting a change in the electrical resistance, such as that caused by a break in one or more conductive coating, an alarm signal is generated and is sent to an alarm trigger circuit for activating an alarm. A method for monitoring penetration or breakage of an electrochromic window assembly is also provided, which method involves applying electrical activation to an electrochromic assembly and monitoring for a change in an electrical characteristic based on the applied electrical potential. Electrochromic window assemblies incorporating security alarm features in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful in automobile applications.

Abstract: Anodic electrochromic materials for use in an electrochromic device comprising a first moiety, wherein the first moiety comprises a metallocene or a substituted metallocene, and a second moiety, wherein the second moiety comprises at least one constituent which serves to increase the solubility of the first moiety in an associated solvent relative to solubility of the first moiety without the second moiety.

Abstract: An electrochromic device, such as a window or mirror, is disclosed that includes first and second substrates each having an inner surface spaced apart from one another to define a chamber, first and second electrodes carried on the inner surface of the second substrate and disposed thereon to be electrically isolated from one another, and an electrochromic medium disposed in the chamber. The electrodes may be disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate in substantially co-planar relation. Alternatively, the electrodes may be arranged in a stacked relation, with a layer of dielectric material provided therebetween.

Abstract: Electrochromic assemblies having a layer structure, characterized in that one layer is an electrically conductive, electrochromic polydioxythiophene and a further layer is an ion-storage compound of the formula (I) LiMeO3  (I) where Me represents a metal of transition group V of the Mendeleev Periodic Table.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising two plates or films, of which at least one is transparent and which are provided with a conductive layer on the sides facing one another, where at least one of the conductive layers is transparent, where the plates or films and a sealing ring define a volume in which an electrochromic medium is located comprising at least one reducible compound OX2 and at least one oxidizable compound RED1 which convert into their respective redox states RED2 and OX, by taking up electrons at the negative electrode or by releasing electrons at the positive electrode, where, after charge equalization between RED2 and OX1, the original redox states OX2 and RED1 are in each case re-formed, wherein at least one RED1 or OX2 is an electrochromic compound in which two identical or different coloring units are connected via at least one bridge in such a way that, on oxidation or reduction, a &sgr;-bond is formed or broken between the two units with a color change of the compound in question, is dis

Abstract: Electrochromic devices incorporate reversible oxidizers to improve device kinetics, incorporate counterelectrodes composed of an alkali metal oxide and vanadium oxide to improve stability, and doped tungsten or molybdenum oxide in the electrochromic layer to improve UV durability.

Abstract: A laminated glass pane assembly with electrically controllable reflectivity, especially for controlling the entry of sunlight and solar heat into vehicles or buildings. The laminated glass pane comprises a first glass pane, an electroreflective functional layer made of an alloy of the hydride of a rare earth metal and magnesium, an antioxidation layer made of a proton-conducting transparent oxide or fluoride, an anhydrous proton-conducting solid electrolyte, a proton storage layer, a transparent conducting coating, and a second glass pane.

Abstract: An electrochromic unit (1) having an electrochemical cell with at least two electrodes (3, 4) applied to a carrier, an electrolyte (2) located between the electrodes (3, 4) and an electrochromic material (7), such as an electrochromic polymer, applied to one of the electrodes (3), is characterized by a proton exchange membrane (2) as a solid electrolyte and carrier for the bilaterally applied electrodes (3, 4), the electrochromic material (7) being positioned on the side of the electrode (3) carrying it remote from the membrane (2).

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a selective ion transport layer which separates an electrochemically active material from an electrolyte containing a redox active material. The devices are particularly useful as large area architectural and automotive glazings due to there reduced back reaction.

Abstract: An electrochromic device having successive layers of electrochromic electrolyte and counter-electrode materials. The counter-electrode material comprises an oxide of a mixture including at least two of vanadium, titanium and zirconium.

Abstract: A multi-layered, active, thin film, solid-state electrochromic device having a high reflectivity in the near infrared in a colored state, a high reflectivity and transmissivity modulation when switching between colored and bleached states, a low absorptivity in the near infrared, and fast switching times, and methods for its manufacture and switching are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-layered device comprising a first indium tin oxide transparent electronic conductor, a transparent ion blocking layer, a tungsten oxide electrochromic anode, a lithium ion conducting-electrically resistive electrolyte, a complimentary lithium mixed metal oxide electrochromic cathode, a transparent ohmic contact layer, a second indium oxide transparent electronic conductor, and a silicon nitride encapsulant is provided. Through elimination of optional intermediate layers, simplified device designs are provided as alternative embodiments.

Abstract: Electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices using nanocrystalline semiconductor electrodes with a high specific surface area and surface-absorbed electrochromic molecules are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for a vehicle includes a reflector/electrode on the third surface of the mirror. This reflector/electrode forms an integral electrode in contact with the electrochromic media, and may be a single layer of a highly reflective material or may comprise a series of coatings. When a series of coatings is used for the reflector/electrode, there should be a base coating which bonds to the glass surface and resists any adverse interaction, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing wiring and contacts in an integrated circuit including the steps of forming insulated gate components on a semiconductor substrate; applying a photo-reducible dielectric layer to cover the substrate; etching holes and forming contacts; photo-reducing the dielectric to increase its conductivity; covering the resulting structure with an interconnect layer; etching the interconnect layer to define wiring in electrical contact with the contacts; and oxidizing the dielectric to reduce its conductivity.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided having an electrochromic conducting polymer layer in contact with a flexible outer layer. A conductive reflective layer is disposed between the electrochromic conducting polymer and a substrate layer. A liquid or solid electrolyte contacts the conductive reflective layer and a counter electrode in the device. A liquid electrolyte may comprise, for example, a mixture of sulfuric acid, poly(vinyl sulfate), and poly(anethosulfonate). A solid electrolyte may comprise, for example, a mixture of sulfuric acid, poly(vinyl sulfate), poly(anethosulfonate), and poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: A counterelectrode for a smart window contains a transparent substrate and a linear electrically conductive material formed on a surface of the transparent substrate. The electrically conductive material has a surface area of not less than 10 m.sup.2 /g and electrical conductivity of not less than 10.sup.-6 .OMEGA..sup.-1 .multidot.cm.sup.-1 at 25.degree. C. A smart window contains an electrochromic electrode having a layer of an electrochromic material formed on its surface, and a layer of an electrolyte arranged between the counterelectrode and the electrochromic electrode and in contact with the layer of the electrochromic material.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices are disclosed in which the counterelectrode layer is a gamma phase Li.sub.x V.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer in which x is between about 0.7 and 2.0. In addition, methods of producing electrochromic devices are disclosed including such counterelectrode layers which are heat treated at temperatures of greater than about 260.degree. C. to convert the counterelectrode layer into such a gamma phase Li.sub.x V.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed including a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined configuration. Each pixel including a mirror element disposed over a flat surface. A light modulating material disposed over the mirror element for selectively modulating a predetermined wave length of light received from an external source by transitioning between a first and a second state. The light modulating material in the first state causes destructive interference in the predetermined wave length of light and in the second state causes constructive interference in the predetermined wave length of light.

Abstract: An optical device in which a solution prepared by dissolving a silver halide in a solvent and adding an alkali metal halide such as LiBr as a support salt is disposed between working electrodes and counter electrode, and which is adapted such that silver is deposited or dissolved by driving control for the electrodes. The optical device can be driven at a low power consumption, can control the light transmittance or reflectance in a visible light region, has satisfactory spectral characteristics upon light shielding and can prevent an overvoltage to the electrode, thereby enabling to increase the working life, and an electrolytic solution used therefor is provided.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device and method are disclosed. The device comprises an ionically isolative layer containing an electrochromic material in contact with an electrolyte layer and a working electrode. The working electrode is positioned on a first side of a substrate, while a counter electrode is positioned on an opposite side of the substrate. The counter electrode is electrically coupled to the electrolyte layer on the substrate first side through one or more openings extending through the substrate. In another embodiment, ionically isolative and electrolyte layers are also provided in contact with the counter electrode on the backside of the substrate to create a double sided display. The method comprises reversible electrochromic effects of the electrochromic materials contained in either the ionically isolative layers or the electrolyte layers.

Abstract: A tape that includes an electronically conductive flexible substrate, a release layer, and an adhesive comprising an ion-intercalating material, and electrochromic devices and glazing units prepared using this tape.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device (ECD) for an optical pick-up apparatus which is capable of maximizing a transmissivity of a laser beam by forming a reflection prevention layer on the outer surfaces of transparent substrates, includes first and second transparent substrates formed at both sides of the ECD with a predetermined interval therebetween, first and second transparent electrodes coated on the inner surfaces of the transparent substrates, respectively, an electrochromic layer coated on the inner surface of the second transparent electrode so that colorizing or decolorizing may be carried out reversibly, a counter eletrode layer coated on the inner surface of the first transparent electrode, an electrolytic layer formed between the counter electrode layer and the electrochromic layer, and a reflection prevention layer coated to have more than one layer so as to prevent a beam from being reflected on the outer surfaces of the first and second transparent substrates.

Abstract: An electro-optical device having an oxidatively coloring electrochromic layer of composition Mn.sub.x V.sub.y O.sub.z, where 0.05 x/y<1, x+2y<z<2x+(5/2)y, and x+y=1, with improved transmittance modulation, the Mn.sub.x V.sub.y O.sub.z providing complementary optical modulation to reductively coloring electrochromic materials in devices employing an all-thin-film configuration with a solid ion conducting electrolyte and in devices employing a laminated configuration with a polymeric ion conducting electrolyte.