Abstract: A tapping electrode for a lower electrode film and a tapping electrode for an upper electrode film are provided on one side of an area around a substrate. By placing the electrode-tapping elements on one side, for example, applying the electrochromic element to an automobile antiglare mirror, the effective field of the mirror is increased to contribute to safety. A mirror ring that surrounds the outer circumference of the mirror can be made slim, enhancing a smart look from the viewpoint of design. Also, in comparison with a case in which the electrode is tapped on two or more sides, the present design makes it possible to secure the same effective visibility with a lightweight design.

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: An electrochromic mirror is provided for performing color change in response to a voltage applied thereto. The electrochromic mirror includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first and a second electrodes, an electrochromic composition and a reflective layer. The reflective layer is made of aluminum-titanium (Al/Ti) alloy and disposed on the second substrate for partially reflecting the light entering from the first substrate back to the first substrate. A reflective layer of an electrochromic mirror for partially reflecting incident light from an image is also provided. The reflective layer includes an aluminum-titanium (Al/Ti) alloy layer and an indium tin oxide (ITO) attached to the aluminum-titanium (Al/Ti) alloy layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical device including at least one carrier substrate, and a stack of functional layers comprising at least one electrically conducting layer comprising metal oxide(s), and a multicomponent electrode including at least one electrochemically active layer, at least one higher-conductivity material and at least one network of one of conducting wires and conducting strips, the higher-conductivity material having a surface resistance which is lower than a surface resistance of the electrically conducting layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic dimming system is proposed having two flat electrodes disposed on respectively a first and a second carrier, and an electrochromic layer arrangement, of which at least one element is arranged between the electrodes. The electrodes are provided with contact elements via which the electrodes can be connected to a voltage/current source. In the region of the peripheral edge of the electrode of the first carrier is arranged an annular conductive element which, possibly with the interposition of a conductive layer, is pressed onto the region of the peripheral edge of the second carrier receiving the other electrode. In the region of the peripheral edge of the second carrier is provided at least one feedthrough for connecting the one electrode to the current/voltage source.

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 first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: at least one solvent; an anodic material; 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, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is slow-diffusing; and an electron shuttle, wherein the electron shuttle serves to decrease switching time of the electrochromic device relative to the same without the electron shuttle.

Abstract: Electrochemical synthesis of conjugated polymers in ionic liquids, achievement of electroactivity and electrochroism of conjugated polymers in ionic liquids, and the use of the resulting conjugated polymers for the fabrication of electrochromic devices incorporating ionic liquids as electrolytes are described.

Abstract: A sheet-like display medium includes a switching layer containing a switching material having a light absorption spectrum which changes in a visible light range when a voltage no less than a threshold value is applied while also maintaining the changed light absorption spectrum even after the voltage application is interrupted, and an electrode layer laminated on the switching layer. The switching material may be an organic metal complex such as Cu-TCNQ or Ag-TCNQ.

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: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: In a light shutter device in which multiple light shutter elements are located on a substrate made of PLZT, and the ON/OFF control of light is carried out by having an electrical field operate on each light shutter element from a pair of electrodes, the cross-talk phenomenon occurs among adjacent elements on the PLZT substrate, i.e., the elements (13c), (13e) and (13g). In order to effectively prevent such cross-talk, driving is carried out such that an electrical field does not operate on such elements simultaneously as a practical matter. In other words, the one line cycle is divided into periods (a) and (b), and the element (13e) is turned ON during the period (a) while the other elements (13c) and (13g) are turned ON during the period (b). Through this operation, a light shutter device in which each element has a stable amount of pass-through light may be obtained.

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: 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: 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: Electrophoresis display devices using charged particles which move in each cell in accordance with the electrophoresis caused by electrodes neighboring the cell. First through third electrodes are used to provide the electrophoresis to the charged particles in a dispersion liquid of each cell. The first and the second electrodes are formed in parallel with each other on a side of a first board and the third electrode is formed on a second board 5 to intersect with the first and the second electrodes. The first electrode may be applied with an initial voltage, a first hold voltage and a rewriting voltage between the initial voltage and the first hold voltage in an order of the first voltage, the rewriting voltage and the first hold voltage. The second electrode may be applied with intermediary voltage between the initial voltage and the rewriting voltage to the first electrode.

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: A light shutter device which has a plurality of light transmitting portions (light shutter elements) on a planar PLZT substrate. By applying voltages between a common electrode and individual electrodes to apply electric fields to the light shutter elements, the light shutter elements transmit and shut light individually. Suppose each of the individual electrodes faces the common electrode at a distance L and has a dimension W in a direction perpendicular to the direction of electric field, W/L>2. Suppose each of the individual electrodes has a dimension D in the direction of electric field, preferably D/L>0.5. Further, the individual electrodes are so placed that the distance between a side of one light shutter element which extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of electric field and each of the individual electrodes which drive the other light shutter elements is not less than 5L.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) at least one substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and (b) an electrochromic medium having a predetermined color while in a high transmission state, wherein the electrochromic medium comprises: (1) 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; (2) a redox buffer; and (3) means associated with the redox buffer for controllably maintaining the predetermined color of the electrochromic medium while in the high transmission state relative to an electrochromic medium without the redox buffer.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror is disclosed for use in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, at least one solution-phase electrochromic material contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlying the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a coating of electrically conductive material that is at least partially transmissive and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.

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: Edge busbars on a substantial perimeter of an electrochromic device are disclosed having electrical paths wrapping over the perimeter edge. Internal busbars interior from the perimeter are disclosed which lower the conductivity of the conductive layer of an electrochromic device. Signals supplied to the busbars to control the electrochromic device are controlled by a switching power supply that allows the maintaining of the color of the electrochromic device without application of continuous power.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror device includes a substantially transparent first electrode having a textured surface, and a second electrode which may be distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the textured surface of the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the device for electromagnetic radiation. Because of the textured surface, light striking the first electrode is diffusely reflected, making the device desirable for architectural and automotive glass applications. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices and materials having enhanced daylight stability are described. The materials have a redox center linked to an energy receptor site that may serve to dissipate excited state energy from the redox center, alternatively the receptor site may absorb harmful radiation prior to the absorption by the redox center.

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: A mirror and housing assembly includes a multi-layer electrochromic (EC) mirror subassembly supported by a carrier. The EC mirror subassembly includes a front transparent element and a rear element, each having front and rear surfaces, a reflector on one of the surfaces of the rear element, and further includes a seal spacing the front and rear elements apart to define a chamber therebetween. An EC material, such as solution phase, gel phase, solid phase, or a hybrid EC material, fills the chamber and is electrically connected to a control for controlled dimming of reflections from the reflector. The front and rear elements each are characteristically very thin, such as about 1.6 mm to 0.8 mm, or more preferably 1.2 mm to 1.0 mm, and most preferably 1.1 mm, such that the EC mirror subassembly is characteristically surprisingly and unexpectedly low in weight.

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: An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the mirror for electromagnetic radiation. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the mirror.

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: 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: An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution is disposed between the first and second electrodes and contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the first and second electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through the mirror. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror.

Abstract: An improved electro-optic device for rearview mirror for motor vehicles and windows, the device incorporating a multi-layer transparent electrode having a first layer of tin-doped indium oxide and a second layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide. This multi-layer transparent conductive coating stack, which may also include additional coatings to provide color suppression, exhibits sheet resistances as low as about 10.OMEGA./.quadrature., while still being high in visible light transmission. This coating stack has surprising advantages for use in electro-optic devices. First, ITO base coat provides low sheet resistance and high light transmission, which is particularly valuable for large area electro-optic mirrors and windows, where resistance in the transparent coating limits speed and uniformity of coloration.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution, disposed between and in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the first and second electrodes. Atoms of this metal are deposited on the first or the second electrode. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through the device. Conversely, a positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby increasing the transmissivity of the device.

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 font for generating interconnected alphanumeric electrode characters adapted for use as an image-generating electrode in flat displays such as electrochromic displays. A display message comprising characters of such font be readily applied to flat display films by printers, e.g. ink jet or laser jet printers, capable of applying electrically conductive ink. The characters in the font are defined by two generally parallel and spaced apart lines where a wide first line has apertures defining the general shape of the character and a second narrow line having curvilinear or segmented portions extending into the aperture of said first line.

Abstract: The electrochromic element comprises an electrochromic layer (22) whose transmission properties change when a voltage difference is applied across the element. Said electrochromic layer (22) comprises a first metal oxide of the group formed by WO.sub.3, MoO.sub.3, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, MnO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 (and combinations thereof) and a second metal oxide containing V.sub.2 O.sub.5, TiO.sub.2 and/or ZnO. If the concentration of the second metal in the mixture ranges from 1 to 15 at. %, preferably from 3 to 10 at. %, the electrochromic layer (22) is transparent and colorless if no guest atoms are incorporated in the layer, and it is (color neutral) grey if a substantial concentration of guest atoms is incorporated in the layer.Electrochromic elements are provided, for example, on the outer surface of a display screen of a display device.

Abstract: There is provided an electrochromic device comprising a pair of transparent substrates facing each other, a pair of transparent electrodes facing each other between the pair of transparent substrates, and an electrochromic layer and a transparent ion conductive layer sandwiched by the pair of transparent electrodes, wherein at least the electrochromic layer and the transparent ion conductive layer are coated with a resin in a state that carrier precursor in the electrochromic layer and in the transparent ion conductive layer is ionized. As a result, film breakage of the electrochromic device and peeling off of the sealing resin and the sealing substrate are prevented, thus improving the durability of the electrochromic device.

Abstract: A light-modulating device and method are disclosed. The device comprises an optically transparent working electrode in contact with an electrolyte layer, and a counter electrode contacting the electrolyte layer. The counter electrode is disposed laterally to the working electrode and the path of transmitted light. The method comprises reversible electrocrystallization of a metal from the electrode layer that increases optical density and decreases light transmission. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a light-modulating device.

Abstract: A polarizing accessory system for use with a microscope. The microscope comprises an optical tube having a eye-piece lens and an objective lens, a stage having an aperture therein, and a light conveying rod arranged to covey light through the aperture to the objective lens and the eye-piece lens. The accessory system comprises a first, tray-like polarizing unit arranged to be disposed on the microscope stage over the aperture, and a second, cup-shaped polarizing unit arranged to be releasably mounted over the eye-piece lens. Each polarizing unit includes a planar polarizing filter or film mounted therein. The tray-like unit comprises a peripheral planar frame defining a central window in which a first polarizing filter element is located. The central window forms a support surface for two, conventional specimen-holding slides disposed in a side-by-side array. The width of the window is equal to the width of the slides to hold them securely in place thereon.

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: 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 cavity thickness compensated etalon filter. A tuning medium is placed in a Fabry-Perot etalon cavity. The index of refraction of the tuning medium varies as a function of voltage applied across the medium. The etalon is formed of two generally flat substrates disposed substantially parallel to one another. Each substrate has a layer of conductive material within the cavity adjacent the substrate. Each substrate also has a layer of reflective material within the cavity adjacent the substrate. At least one layer of reflective material is only partially reflective so as to enable light to pass into and out of the cavity. Liquid crystal material may be used as a tuning medium in the cavity. In the case of liquid crystal material, the etalon also comprises an alignment layer disposed within the cavity adjacent each substrate to pre-order the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A tester for use in determining the voltage and state-of-charge of a battery. The tester can be permanently mounted on the battery and employs an electrochromic cell which changes visual appearance, for example, color or intensity of color when electrically connected across the terminals of a battery. The electrochromic cell undergoes an oxidation/reduction reaction on direct application of the DC potential of the battery. The color of the electrochromic cell can be compared with a color comparison chart to determine the condition of the battery.The tester can be permanently electrically connected to the battery or, preferably, can be connected momentarily to determine the state of the battery.

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.