Abstract: Electrochromic devices are disclosed which may be used for large surface area applications. The devices utilize optical tuning to minimize optical interference between layers of the structure and to maximize uniform optical transparency. Optical tuning also enables transparent conductive oxide layers to be replaced by thin conductive metal layers, thereby reducing the overall thickness of these devices and facilitating the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable reflectance automobile mirrors wherein the component of variable transmittance is a single-compartment, self-erasing, solution-phase electrochromic device.

Abstract: A label for electrochemical cell employs an electrochromic material so that when the material is connected to power provided by the electrochemical cell, the material will undergo a visible change as a result of a chemical reaction.

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: A counterelectrode for a smart window contains a transparent electrically conductive substrate and a plurality of electrically conductive dots arrayed on the transparent electrically conductive substrate. Each of the electrically conductive dots contains fine particles having capacitance of not less than 1 farad/g or fine particles capable of storing electrical charge of not less than 1 coulomb/g. A smart window contains the aforementioned counterelectrode.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices applied to a substrate are disclosed, including an electrochromic electrode layer, a counterelectrode layer, and an ion-conducting layer sandwiched between those two layers and electrically isolating them from each other, in which the ion-conducting layer is substantially uniform across the substrate and comprises an inorganic superstructure with associated organic material and with a microstructure which facilitates the transfer of ions. Methods for producing these devices are also disclosed, including depositing the ion-conducting layer on the substrate in the form of a solution, and effecting gelation of that solution.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an improved display which economically and efficiently displays information or images or symbols on the mirror in a reliable and aesthetically pleasing manner while providing excellent speed of reflective change, good high end reflectance, good uniformity of reflectance change across the surface area of the mirror, continually variable reflectance and good low end reflectance while displaying desired information or images or symbols throughout the range of reflectance of the mirror.

Abstract: Anti-glare EC mirror comprises a transparent glass substrate with ITO film, IrO.sub.x film, SnO.sub.2 film, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 film, WO.sub.3 film and Al film in the order written. Because of this layer arrangement, SnO.sub.2 film insures an ample supply of water during the aging of IrO.sub.x film, thereby allowing the aging operation to be completed within a short period of time.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic device of the type having an electrochromic electrode in contact with an ion conductor, the ion conductor in turn being in contact with a layer of gold. The improvement of the instant invention is to interpose a layer of iridium oxide between the ion conductor and the layer of gold wherein the layer of iridium oxide and the layer of gold do not form an electrochromic electrode.

Abstract: Low transparency, or colored, copper oxide is taught as a new electrochromic material, in combination with a metallic oxide. The material is formed by application of the copper oxide to a substrate followed by application of the metallic oxide. A low-E glass substrate is heated, and cupric acetylacetonate powder is sprayed at the glass; the cupric acetylacetonate powder is atomized with dry oxygen. The glass/SN.sub.N O.sub.2 F/Cu.sub.x O system is then re-heated. After reheating, tungsten hexachloride dissolved in N,N-dimethyl formamide is sprayed at the copper oxide on the substrate. In a sample material, visible transmission is improved from 33% for copper oxide alone, to 65%.

Abstract: Dispersions of electrically conductive particles useful for preparing electrically conductive, essentially ionically isolative composite layers having electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. Composite layers can be used in laminates for electrochromic displays where an ionically conductive layer is in contact with electrochromic material. Such displays comprise means for applying an electrical potential across the interface of the ionically conductive layer and the electrochromic material to generate an electrochromic effect at the interface. Electrochromic materials can be provided in the laminates as layers between the ionically conductive layer and the composite layer of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. Alternatively, the electrochromic material can be incorporated in the conductive particles in the polymer matrix, e.g. as titanium dioxide coated with antimony tin oxide coated with polyaniline dispersed in an light transmitting polymer matrix.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising three elements. The first element is a first electrode. The second element is a second electrode. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode so that there is a space between the first electrode and the second electrode. The third element is a dispersion positioned in the space. The dispersion is in electrical contact with the first electrode and with the second electrode. The dispersion comprises a polyoxometalate such as H.sub.3 PW.sub.12 O.sub.40, a counter electrode couple such as ferrocene and a solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, nitriles, cyanoethyl ether, water, dimethylsulfoxide, nitromethane, nitrobenzene, acetic acid, dimethoxy benzene, toluene, tetramethylene sulfone, 3-methyl sulfolane, 2-methyl glutaronitrile, cyanoethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, gamma valerolactone and acetone. The dispersion is resistant to photodegradation such as discoloring in sunlight.

Abstract: A small-sized diaphragm device for an image pickup lens system having an electrochromic element the light transmitting properties of which are changed on application of an electrical voltage. The diaphragm device also includes a first set of plural concentrically arranged transparent electrodes, a second set of plural concentrically arranged transparent electrodes and third electrodes formed on the outermost peripheries of these sets of transparent electrodes for acting as counter-electrodes for the transparent electrodes. The diaphragm device has a sufficient light transmittance when in the transparent state, while having high light interrupting properties when in the light interrupting state.

Abstract: Electrochromic device having electrode surface confined complementary polymer electrochromic materials, and materials, systems and methods of fabrication therefore. The electrochromic devices employ a polypyrrole-prussian blue composite material on the oxiatively coloring electrode, and a heteroaromatic substance containing at least one quaternized nitrogen atom group on the reductively coloring electrode. A bilayer material consisting substantially of metallic oxide which is conductive in at least one of its redox states and electroplated with a polymer is also disclosed for use as an electrochromic material on either the oxidatively colored or reductively colored electrodes. A method for electrodeposition of viologen polymers at a substantially neutral pH is also disclosed. A method for self-powering and self-modulating electrochromic devices by means of photovoltaic cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: Display devices incorporating an improved working electrode are disclosed. The devices comprise a transparent outer layer, a first electrode having a reflective surface facing the transparent layer, an electrochromic material located between the reflective surface and the outer transparent layer, an electrolyte in contact with the electrochromic material and a second electrode located behind the first electrode. The first electrode is ion-permeable, allowing ions to pass through and contact the electrochromic material in order to alter the optical properties of the material. The electrochromic material is preferably a conductive polymer such, as polyaniline. The display devices are capable of changing reflectance and/or color by the application of an electric potential to the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochromic system comprising a layer of anode electrochromic material with all iridium oxide bass formatted by intensiostatic cycling in a liquid medium comprising a salt of a cation, excluding the proton, that can be inserted in said anode electrochromic material of an alkaline metal.

Abstract: The invention provides for the simplified production of chromogenic devices, including relatively large scale devices in panel form. One or more of the layers of the invention are formed from heated, hydrolyzed gel reaction product of one or more dissolved organo-inorganics, such as alkoxides, which may be metallic. The invention includes an ion-conducting layer which comprises a lithium based ceramic material containing residual organic impurities.

Abstract: An improved multilayer electrochromic device, the improvement being to the electrochromic layer which necessarily must include an anion exchanging polymer having a polyoxometallate electrochromic counter ion. An example is the use of PW.sub.12 O.sub.40.sup.3- as the polyoxometallate electrochromic counter ion of an anion exchanging polymer of 90% quaternized 4-vinylpyridine and 10% styrene. Another example is the use of H.sub.2 W.sub.12 O.sub.40.sup.6- as the polyoxometallate electrochromic counter ion of an anion exchanging polymer of 90% protonated 4-vinylpyridine and 10% styrene.

Abstract: Polymer electrolytes comprising co-polymers of vinylic, protonic acids and N,N' dialkyl substituted acrylamides and methacrylamides with high anodic stability, reduced acidity and high mechanical stiffness suitable for electrochromic devices, such as windows, mirrors and information displays. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a co-polymer with a composition of 30% 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 50% N,N dimethyl acrylamide and 20% water by weight.

Abstract: An improved working electrode for use in display devices is disclosed. The working electrode comprises a transparent metal grid having a coating of metal oxide thereon. Suitable metal grids include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Pt, Ni and Zn, while suitable metal oxide coatings include In.sub.2 O.sub.3, SnO.sub.2 and indium tin oxide (ITO). The display devices preferably include an electrochromic material comprising an aqueous solution of an electrochemically depositable metal. Display devices in which the present working electrode is used possess favorable characteristics such as rapid response times, wide dynamic range, high transmittance and improved uniformity. The devices are particularly suitable for large surface area applications.

Abstract: An electrochromic element useful in an electrochromic glass or mirror device and a process for making such element. The element is a five-layered structure including an electrolyte ion conducting layer interposed between first and second inorganic electrochromic layers which are interposed between a pair of conductive electrodes. The first and second inorganic electrochromic layers are different and are capable of exhibiting color-forming properties complementary to one another upon the incorporation of an alkali metal or Ag ion, a mixture of alkali metal or Ag ions or a mixture of alkali metal or Ag and hydrogen ions. The electrolyte ion conducting layer may be a copolymer of ethylene oxide, butylene oxide or methyl glycidyl ether, and optionally a small amount of allyl glycidyl ether, along with an ionizable salt, or may be a polyurethane gel formed by reacting the copolymer with triisocyanate, along with an ionizable salt.

Abstract: An electrochromic system. It comprises layers of solid/materials deposited on glass or another substrate. The solids function in an atmosphere that can be dry. One layer is preferably Li.sub.3 AlF.sub.6 and conducts positive lithium ions. Another layer is a counterelectrode. The counterelectrode is improved to the extent that it can reversibly accept ions from and donate them to the ion conductor while remaining extensively transparent. The counterelectrode can be Li.sub.x TiO.sub.y, (Li.sub.2 O).sub.m (WO.sub.3).sub.n (Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3), or (Li.sub.2 O).sub.m (WO.sub.3).sub.n (CeO.sub.2).sub.o.

Abstract: Electrochromic material, i.e. polyaniline, is polymerized in situ in a polymeric electrolyte to form an electrochromic/polyelectrolyte mixture. The mixture is coated as a film on electrochromic material. A film of electrolyte is placed in ion transfer relationship with the electrochromic/polyelectrolyte film. This electrochromic/polyaniline/polyelectrolyte film greatly increases the ion transfer between the electrochromic film and the electrolytic film by imposing a region of molecularly mixed electrochromic material and electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochromic variable transmission glazing comprising first and second glass sheets substrates which are joined by an organic polymer whose proton conductivity is greater than or equal to 10.sup.-5 ohm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1 at 20.degree. C. The glass sheets are coated on their joining faces with transparent electroconductive layers. The first transparent substrate further comprises a layer of electrochromic material, such as tungsten oxide, in contact with the proton conductive polymer. The glazing is characterized by an iridium oxide layer on the second transparent substrate which is interposed between the layer of electroconductive material and the organic polymer. The glazing further comprises a pair of current leads attached to the electroconductive layer which connect the glazing to a generator.

Abstract: An electrochromatic glazing system is provided. The system comprises a first glass sheet covered with a first transparent electrically conductive film and a second glass sheet covered with a second transparent electrically conductive film. A film of electrochromatic material, an electrolyte, and a counterelectrode are interposed between the first and second transparent electrically conductive films. The first and second electrically conductive films are connected to a voltage generator by an electrical control circuit and the voltage generator receives a set-point value from a control unit equipped with a memory and generates a potential difference as a function of the temperature of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A solid-state electrochromic device is disclosed comprising tungsten oxide-Prussian blue complementary configuration in combination with a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: Novel transparent complementary electrode materials for electrochromic cells are disclosed, of the general formula [M.sup.1 ].sub.4 [M.sup.2 (CN).sub.6 ].sub.3 wherein M.sup.1 may be indium, gallium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and M.sup.2 is iron. Unlike Prussian blue (where M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are both iron), the complementary electrode materials of the present invention are stable, and do not have to be precharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochromic device which is especially suitable as a window, mirror or display element, characterized by a multi-layer construction with at least one layer, enclosed between two coated electrodes, of a material which is either ionically- or mixed ionically- and electronically-conductive, whereby at least one of the two electrode layers consists of transparent material and the ionically- or ionically- and electronically-conductive material is at least so long transparent as no excitation takes place by the application of voltage via the electrodes.

Abstract: Thin film coatings for solid state storage batteries and electrochromic energy conservation devices are now formed on low temperature glass and plastic substrates by an ion-assisted RF deposition process. The attachment of such coated glass or plastic substrates to existing windows in situ allows ordinary plate glass windows in homes, office buildings and factories to be converted to "smart-windows" resulting in a substantial savings in heating and air conditioning costs.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrochromic system composed of a lithium ionic conductor electrolyte and a counter electrode symmetrical with the principal layer of electrochromic material and composed of a layer of nickel oxide, preferably deposited by reactive cathode sputtering in the presence of hydrogen-bearing plasma. The invention is used in particular for electrochromic windows, which can be used, for example, in automobile tops.

Abstract: An all solid type electrochromic display device comprises first and second conductive layers and sandwiched between them, at least, an electrochromic layer of tungsten oxide and a solid electrolyte layer. The tungsten oxide of the electrochromic layer has an absorption spectrum, as measured by FT-IR, which meets the following formulae (A) and (B): ##EQU1## wherein A1400, A1800, A2500 and A4000 and A3400 respectively represent the absorbance of 1400cm.sup.- 1800cm.sup.-1, 2500cm.sup.-1, 4000cm.sup.-1 and 3400cm.sup.-1 and A* represents the highest absorbance within a range from 1600cm.sup.-1 to 1650cm.sup.-1. The electrochromic display device is produced by vacuum depositing the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer on another layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprises a first electrode layer, an intermediate layer including an electrochromic layer, a second electrode layer, the first electrode layer, intermediate layer and second electrode layer being laminated in succession, and an electrode member connected to one of the first and second electrode layers and extending in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the direction of lamination of the first electrode layer, intermediate layer and second electrode layer. The resistances R.sub.1, R.sub.2 respectively of the first and second electrode layers and the internal resistance R.sub.3 of the intermediate layer satisfy predetermined conditions to achieve uniform coloration.

Abstract: An electrochromic cell is disclosed which comprises an electrochromic layer, a polymerizable organo-sulfur layer which comprises the counter electrode of the structure, and an ionically conductive electronically insulating material which comprises the separator between the electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, both the separator and the organo-sulfur electrode (in both its charged and uncharged states) are transparent either to visible light or to the entire solar spectrum. An electrochromic device is disclosed which comprises such electrodes and separator encased in glass plates on the inner surface of each of which is formed a transparent electrically conductive film in respective electrical contact with the electrodes which facilitates formation of an external electrical connection or contact to the electrodes of the device to permit electrical connection of the device to an external potential source.

Abstract: A method of gradationally infusing a graded thickness permeable medium with a uniform concentration of a material is disclosed. A method of gradationally infusing a uniform thickness permeable medium with a gradational concentration of material is also disclosed. The method includes placing the material in a container, and inserting and removing the permeable medium in the container so that the permeable medium includes either a gradational or uniform concentration of the material therein dependent upon the thickness of the medium. The method disclosed also allows uniform thickness or graded thickness electrochromic materials to be gradationally infused with an ion source to provide a color gradient within an electrochromic device. An electrochromic device made according to this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochromic transparency comprising an electrochromic film and a preformed, preconditioned ion-conductive polymer sheet laminated between a pair of electrode bearing cell members is disclosed wherein the optimum moisture content of the ion-conducting polymer sheet is maintained by means of a moisture vapor barrier surrounding the perimeter of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic glazing consisting of two glass sheets (1, 4) coated with first and second transparent electroconductive layers (2, 5), separated by a layer of an electrochromic material (9), an electrolyte (8) and a counterelectrode (7), said transparent electroconductive layers (2, 5) each being provided with an electroconductive strip (3, 6) parallel to the length of the glazing, made of a material whose electric conductivity is high relative to that of transparent electroconductive layers (2, 5). The electroconductive strips (3, 6) are placed along the opposite edges of the glazing and are connected to a voltage generator which applies in coloring phase (or in fading phase), between two points A and B on the electroconductive strips (3, 6) a potential difference U.sub.1 =(V.sub.A -V.sub.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device uses a metal-phthalocyanine derivative as an electrochromic material at the display electrode side and a metal-phthalocyanine derivative being preliminarily held in a reduced state or a redox material being stable in an oxidized state at the counter electrode side.

Abstract: An optical article capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation is disclosed comprising a reflective metal layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 .mu.m, means acting as a support for directing polarized electromagnetic radiation to the reflective metal layer, a dielectric layer interposed between the support and the reflective metal layer having a refractive index less than that of the support and a thickness in the range of from 0.1 to 10 times the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation directed toward the reflective metal layer, an electrooptic medium that exhibits a refractive index which is a function of an applied electrical potential, and a counter electrode. The optical article is characterized in that it is capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from differing wavelength sources to produce a multicolor image.

Abstract: An all solid-state variable transmission electrochromic device has a source of charge compensating ions. An inorganic oxide counterelectrode film which on reduction with the accompanying insertion of the charge compensating ions increases its transmission of light of predetermined wavelength is separated from a primary electrochromic film which on reduction with the accompanying insertion of the charge compensating ions decreases its transmission of light of predetermined wavelength by an insulating electrolyte film that transports the charge compensating ions. First and second electrodes are contiguous with the inorganic oxide counter electrode film and the primary electrochromic film, respectively, and separated by the three films.