Liquid Cell Patents (Class 359/272)
  • Patent number: 11859130
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to solution processed low temperature metal oxide, metal bronze or polyoxometalate materials as charge storage material used in electrochromic devices, charge storage material and electrochromic devices comprising the materials and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: FURCIFER INC.
    Inventor: Yan Zhou
  • Patent number: 10673009
    Abstract: The present invention provides a planar electroluminescence (EL) device comprising a substrate layer, an electrode layer, a light emitting layer, and a modulating layer, wherein the electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged on a same level over the substrate layer, and there is no contact between adjacent electrodes. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron injection layer (EIL) and an electrode transport layer (ETL). In one embodiment, the light emitting layer comprises organic light emitting polymers or organic light emitting molecules. The device of the present invention would emit light when liquid, polar component, or conductive solution is written directly on the light emitting layer. In one embodiment, the device can emit light for prolonged period when the light emitting layer is coated or deposited with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School
    Inventors: Hong Meng, Dan Hu, Xiuru Xu, Lijia Yan, Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 10179768
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a group of novel electrochromic materials. More specifically, it relates to electrochromic materials having two-core viologens and the use of these two-core viologens as a variable transmittance medium for the manufacture of an optical article, such as an ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Stuart Aiken, Daniel Luke Crossley, Christopher David Gabbutt, Bernard Mark Heron, Claudine Biver, Samuel Archambeau, Fabien Berit-Debat
  • Patent number: 9841652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochromic composition comprising at least one reducing compound, at least one oxidizing compound which is selected from specific viologen derivatives, and at least one dye. Said composition can be used as a variable transmittance medium for the manufacture of an optical article, such as an ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Claudine Biver, Samuel Archambeau, Fabien Berit-Debat
  • Patent number: 9823534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a group of novel electrochromic materials. More specifically, it relates to electrochromic materials based on either single or two-core viologen systems and the use of these viologen systems as a variable transmittance medium for the manufacture of an optical article, such as an ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Stuart Aiken, Christopher David Gabbutt, Bernard Mark Heron, Claudine Biver, Samuel Archambeau, Fabien Berit-Debat, Sandrine Duluard
  • Patent number: 9785030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochromic composition comprising at least one reducing compound and at least two oxidizing compounds, said at least two oxidizing compounds having similar oxydo-reduction potentials. More specifically, said at least two oxidizing compounds are selected from viologen derivatives. Said composition can be used as a variable transmittance medium for the manufacture of an optical article, such as an ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Claudine Biver, Samuel Archambeau, Fabien Berit-Debat
  • Patent number: 9778531
    Abstract: An electrochromic device (1) comprises an electrochromic layered structure (10) having a first substrate sheet (21), a second substrate sheet (22), a first (23) and a second (24) electron conducting layer at least partially covering a respective substrate sheet, an electrochromic layer (25) and a counter electrode layer (26) at least partially covering a respective electron conducting layer and an electrolyte layer (30) laminated between and at least partially covering the first electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The electrochromic layered structure also has an area (51, 52) in which the electrochromic layer or the counter electrode layer is not covered by the electrolyte layer. An electrode (41, 42) is soldered to the respective electron conducting layer through the electrochromic layer or the counter electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CHROMOGENICS AB
    Inventors: Greger Gregard, Richard Karmhag
  • Patent number: 9772538
    Abstract: A transparent display device, comprising: a display panel; a system light source provided over a non-display surface of the display panel; an article placement area located at a side of the system light source that is away from the display panel; an encapsulated cell provided between the system light source and the article placement area, wherein the encapsulated cell is provided with an electrochromic material therein; and a control member that is capable of controlling the electrochromic material in the encapsulated cell to regionally switch to a transparent state or a colored state. The present invention can realize a regionally transparent display and expand the application range of the transparent display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yue Shi
  • Patent number: 9196424
    Abstract: Disclosed is a double-center bipyridyl cationic ion liquid prepared by reacting bipyridyl with haloalkane for synthesis of dialkyl bipyridyl halide, and converting the halogen ion in the dialkyl bipyridyl halide to the target anion via an ion-exchange reaction, to give the final target ionic liquid. Also disclosed are an organic electrolyte containing the double-center bipyridyl cationic ion liquid and a preparation method therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: OCEAN'S KING LIGHTING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingjie Zhou, Daxi Liu, Yaobing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150085338
    Abstract: An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including a first electrically conductive material associated therewith. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity and includes a second electrically conductive material associated therewith. One or more spacing members are positioned within the cavity and include one or more polymer matrix discs configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Sue F. Franz, David A. Theiste, William L. Tonar, Leroy J. Kloeppner
  • Publication number: 20150085339
    Abstract: An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. One or more spacing members are deposited on one of the first substrate and the second substrate and are configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. The one or more spacing members at least substantially dissolve upon association with the electro-optic medium. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: David A. Theiste, Sue F. Franz, Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 8830554
    Abstract: The present subject matter can include a two-dimensional electrochemical writing assembly and uses thereof. The writing assembly can enable for time-dependently displaying of a physical parameter, such as a time-dependent display or recording of the temperature. The writing assembly comprises two different types of electrochemical processors, of which one type is used for controlling the time-dependent switching of the second type of electrochemical processors used in the writing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster
    Inventor: Meinhard Knoll
  • Patent number: 8792173
    Abstract: A changeable liquid lens array and a method of manufacturing the same. The changeable liquid lens array includes a substrate, a plurality of partition walls arrayed on the substrate and having a fluid travel path, cells defined by the plurality of partition walls, a first fluid comprised in the cells, a second fluid arranged on the first fluid, a first electrode arranged on at least one side surface of each of the partition walls, and a second electrode disposed to be separate from the partition walls. A shape of shape of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid changes based on a voltage that is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Jung-mok Bae, Hong-seok Lee, Hoon Song, Yong-joo Kwon, Jung-hoon Lee, Seung-yul Choi
  • Patent number: 8730551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Henry A. Luten, David J. Cammenga, Juan C. Lara, Jeffrey A. Forgette
  • Publication number: 20140126037
    Abstract: A tunable photonic crystal device comprising: alternating layers of a first material and a second material, the alternating layers comprising a responsive material, the responsive material being responsive to an external stimulus, the alternating layers having a periodic difference in refractive indices giving rise to a first reflected wavelength; wherein, in response to the external stimulus, a change in the responsive material results in a reflected wavelength of the device shifting from the first reflected wavelength to a second reflected wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: OPALUX INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andre Arsenault, Geoffrey Alan Ozin, Daniel Patrick Puzzo
  • Publication number: 20140085700
    Abstract: Provided are an electrochromic mirror and a method of manufacturing the same, the electrochromic mirror including: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; and an electrochromic layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is a transparent film, whereby an entire thickness and weight of the electrochromic mirror can be reduced, and as a result, the degree of design freedom can be improved, and since the electrochromic layer containing the electrochromic material and the electrolyte is formed by a coating method, the efficiency of a manufacturing process can be improved, and a production cost can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Young PARK
  • Patent number: 8665509
    Abstract: A method of bonding metal and glass using an optical contact bonding includes depositing an optical contact bonding medium on a surface of a metal substrate; and bonding the metal substrate on which the optical contact bonding medium is formed to a glass substrate using optical contact bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8625047
    Abstract: A fluid ingress resistant interactive display device is disclosed herein. The device includes one or more gasket layers to serve as a fluid barrier to resist fluid from entering an interior of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bernie Schultz, Rajesh Manoher Dighde
  • Patent number: 8619183
    Abstract: In order to perform adjustment of relative positions between an optical system and imaging devices, a plurality of the imaging devices, a plurality of solid lenses that form images of the imaging devices, and a plurality of optical-axis control units that control the direction of optical axes of light incident to the imaging devices are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ito, Makoto Kitagawa, Tomoya Shimura, Shinichi Arita, Satoru Inoue, Hirokazu Katakame, Sakae Saito, Shunichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8593714
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel electrochromic devices and polymer actuator materials where nanoparticles are used to make composites. In particular, the said nanoparticles are wire shaped and disc shaped. These composites allow EC devices to be made with improved performance, particularly display devices could be made that consume low power and can be manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AJJER, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • Patent number: 8576490
    Abstract: A changeable liquid lens array and a method of manufacturing the same. The changeable liquid lens array includes a substrate, a plurality of partition walls arrayed on the substrate and having a fluid travel path, cells defined by the plurality of partition walls, a first fluid comprised in the cells, a second fluid arranged on the first fluid, a first electrode arranged on at least one side surface of each of the partition walls, and a second electrode disposed to be separate from the partition walls. A shape of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid changes based on a voltage that is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Jung-mok Bae, Hong-seok Lee, Hoon Song, Yong-joo Kwon, Jung-hoon Lee, Seung-yul Choi
  • Patent number: 8564871
    Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode. An electrochromic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrochromic layer and one of the electrode layers. The electrochromic layer comprises the dehydration reaction product of a hydrolyzed aromatic component. An electrochromic composition comprises an aromatic component having an aromatic core and at least two silicon-based groups pending from the aromatic core. The silicon-based groups have a silicon-bonded group selected from the group of hydrolyzable groups, hydrolyzates of hydrolyzable groups, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: David Witker, Toshio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8559092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
  • Patent number: 8531646
    Abstract: An electro-optical device comprises a liquid crystal material disposed in a cell and electrodes configured to bias the liquid crystal material into a generally in-plane director configuration having a non-constant spatial pattern selectable or adjustable by an in-plane component of the biasing to produce a desired refractive of diffractive optical effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kent State University
    Inventors: Lei Shi, Philip J. Bos, Paul F. Manamon
  • Patent number: 8520285
    Abstract: This methods and devices described herein relate to displays and methods of manufacturing cold seal fluid-filled displays, including MEMS. The fluid substantially surrounds the moving components of the MEMS display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display. The invention relates to a method for sealing a MEMS display at a lower temperature such that a vapor bubble does not formforms only at temperatures about 15° C. to about 20° C. below the seal temperature. In some embodiments, the MEMS display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap and supporting an array of light modulators, a fluid substantially filling the gap, a plurality of spacers within the gap, and a sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pixtronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Fike, III, Joyce H. Wu, Jasper Lodewyk Steyn, Jignesh Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8508384
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element having a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate, with no portion of the rear glass substrate extending beyond any portion of the front glass substrate. The reflective element includes a perimeter band disposed around a perimeter border region of a second surface of the front glass substrate. The perimeter band generally conceals the presence of a perimeter seal from view by the driver of the vehicle. A plastic molding may be circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the front glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the front glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding may lack a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the front glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8411348
    Abstract: An electroconductive layer (2) designed to be combined with a substrate having a glass function, said layer (2) being composed of a metal grid (9), characterized in that the metal grid (9) consists of a pure metal and in that it is coated with at least one electrochemical protection layer (10), especially a metal layer or a metal nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat, Didier Jousse, Jean-Christophe Giron, Philippe Letocart, Se-Jong Kim, Emilie Steers
  • Patent number: 8289607
    Abstract: An electrochromic device, with controlled transparency, for example of electrically controllable type, including between a transparent carrier substrate and a counter-substrate, at least one stack of functional layers, the outermost layers of which include electroconductive layers, the conductivity of at least one electroconductive layer not in contact with the carrier substrate being reinforced by a network of conductive elements in contact with this layer. The network includes a mesh, for which the area of the intermesh free space is substantially between 0.04 mm2 and 0.16 mm2 or in a vicinity of 0.09 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat, Jean-Christophe Giron, Didier Jousse
  • Patent number: 8248681
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to polyaniline (PANI) materials capable of undergoing stable and reversible polyelectrochromic transitions between multiple oxidation states. More specifically, the embodiments described herein include novel PANI-PAAMPSA structures that are capable of undergoing stable and reversible transitions between the ES, LB and PB oxidation states. In some embodiments, the structures described are capable of undergoing stable transitions over a broad pH range. Also described herein are methods of preparing certain electrochromic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Yueh-Lin Loo, Joung Eun Yoo, Jacob Tarver
  • Publication number: 20120176659
    Abstract: The welding filter device includes a light sensor, a microprocessor, a liquid crystal display, and a user interface. The light sensor senses light to generate a welding signal and a light source intensity signal. The microprocessor comprises a determining module, a control module, a regulating module, and a storage module. The determining module receives the welding signal and determines whether to activate a welding mechanism. The control module receives the light source intensity signal and outputs a control signal. The liquid crystal display presents a first display status according to the control signal. The user interface is used to generate a setting signal; wherein when the liquid crystal display presents the first display status, the regulating module receives the setting signal to regulate the settings so that the liquid crystal display presents a second display status. Furthermore, a method for controlling the welding filter device is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ARCMASK OPTECH CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chien-Hsing HSIEH, Edward Martin, Chia-Hung CHEN
  • Patent number: 8213072
    Abstract: An electrofluidic display device including a first structure layer and a second structure layer is provided. The first structure layer includes a first substrate. A trench structure layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a trench surrounding an indent groove of a second substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on the first substrate. A first hydrophobic layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. The second structure layer having the second substrate is located aside the first substrate with a gap. A groove structure layer is disposed on the second substrate. The groove structure has the indent groove surrounded by the trench. A second electrode layer is disposed on the groove structure layer. A second hydrophobic layer is disposed on the second electrode layer. Polar fluid is disposed in the indent groove. Non-polar fluid is disposed in the gap between the first and second substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yun-Sheng Ku, Wei-Yuan Cheng, Shu-Wei Kuo, Hsin-Hung Lee, Kuo-Lung Lo
  • Patent number: 8169684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 8049640
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a mirror reflector established at a surface of the mirror reflective element other than the first surface of the glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a plastic molding circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the glass substrate. The plastic molding includes a portion that (a) abuts the circumferential edge of the glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to the first surface of the glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8049948
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel process for producing an electrochemical display element, which can easily form a white scattering layer between opposed electrodes, has a high level of suitability for production, and has high stability after long-term use. The production process is characterized in that a film containing a white scattering material and a polymeric binder is formed on at least one electrode in opposed electrodes, the other electrode is disposed so as to face the electrode with film formed thereon, a low-viscosity electrolyte is poured into a space between the opposed electrodes, and the polymeric binder is dissolved in or swollen in the electrolyte to form a gel-like electrolyte layer containing the white scattering material and the polymeric binder within the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hakii, Tomoo Izumi
  • Patent number: 7957053
    Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates and a lamination adhesive layer and a layer of an electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the lamination adhesive layer having a thickness of from about 14 to about 25 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Howie Honeyman, Harit Doshi, Seungman Sohn, Eva Chen, Richard D. LeCain, Simon Pang, Gregg M. Duthaler
  • Patent number: 7894117
    Abstract: A transparent window switchable rear vision mirror adapted to be secured to a motor vehicle for improved road safety, said switchable window/mirror including, a film suitable for use as a light modulating unit of suspended particle device (spd) light valve, said film comprising a matrix polymer material having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium distributed within a matrix, said film characterized in that presence or lack thereof of an electric field results in the particles being aligned such that a beam of light may be reflected, transmitted or absorbed depending on the status of the electrical field applied thereto such a film; a switchable mirror device comprising a substrate and a mono layer film capable of undergoing a reversible change in light transmission or reflectance, said substrate including a film comprising a transmission metal composition; and a power supply device to provide an electrical charge to said film f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Finlayson
  • Patent number: 7889414
    Abstract: A reflection type display apparatus includes a first light modulating layer for controlling electrically and externally a light absorbing state and a light transmitting state, a second light modulating layer for controlling electrically and externally a light reflecting state and the light transmitting state, and a reflector for reflecting light of a particular wavelength band. The first and second light modulating layers and the reflector are arranged in order from a light incidence side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hajime Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7884994
    Abstract: Provided is an electrochromic device (ECD) that includes: a first transparent electrode having a first substrate having thereon a first electrically conductive layer; a second transparent electrode having a second substrate having thereon a second electrically conductive layer; a first polymeric layer on the first transparent electrode, wherein the first polymeric layer includes a cathodic electrochromic polymer and a first non-electrochromic polymeric matrix; a second polymeric layer on the second transparent electrode, wherein the second polymeric layer includes an anodic electrochromic polymer and a second non-electrochromic polymeric matrix; and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first polymeric layer and the second polymeric layer. Also provided is a process of producing the ECDs, as well as the electrochromic layers themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Fabienne Piroux
  • Patent number: 7864397
    Abstract: An electrolyte composition is described. The electrolyte composition includes at least one ionic compound; at least one polar solvent; at least one polymerizable material; at least one nanoparticle based viscosity modifier; at least one chain transfer agent; and at least one initiator. Also described are electrochromic articles and devices including an electrolyte layer including an electrolyte composition. Methods of assembling an electrochromic article are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Junjun Wu, Brian T. Weber, Duane D. Fansler
  • Patent number: 7839555
    Abstract: In a display device that includes a display space provided on a display surface side and a liquid sealed inside the display space so as to be operable and is constituted so as to be able to change a display color on the display surface side according to an application of an electric field to the liquid, the liquid is an ionic liquid containing an ambient temperature molten salt combining a cation and an anion. Further, an amount of water blended in the liquid is 0 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ionic liquid. This makes it possible both to reduce a voltage to be applied to the liquid so as to allow driving at a low voltage and to improve an operation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakano, Akio Miyata, Tomoko Teranishi, Hiroko Niwano
  • Patent number: 7830584
    Abstract: The present invention provides an organic-inorganic composite material containing a metal oxide, and a functional organic material located on the metal oxide, wherein the functional organic material and the metal oxide are bound via a silanol bond. An aspect that the silanol bond is formed by reacting a silane coupling agent with the metal oxide, and an aspect that the silane coupling agent has a reactive terminal are preferred. The present invention also provides a display electrode for electrochromic display device and electrode for photoelectric conversion device using the organic-inorganic composite material, an electrochromic display device using the display electrode and a photoelectric conversion device using the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Shibuya, Shigenobu Hirano
  • Patent number: 7826124
    Abstract: A flexible electrochromic (EC) panel that is usable for a display device or for other applications in which at least a region of the panel is selectively caused to change opacity. An exemplary EC panel includes an electrochromic working layer or electrode formed of a PProDOT-Me2 polymer film that is deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate. Similarly, a counter electrode is formed by depositing a vanadium oxide-titanium oxide (V2O5—TiO2) composite film on another ITO PET coated flexible substrate. An ultraviolet light-cured film sealant is employed to seal the flexible panel and also serves as a spacer between the working and counter electrodes. The film sealant is patterned to define a volume for injecting an electrolyte solution through an inlet port provided in the film sealant. The inlet port is then closed. The EC panel can readily be flexed without damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Chunye Xu, Chao Ma, Minoru Taya
  • Patent number: 7813024
    Abstract: The present invention provides an EC mirror assembly including an EC mirror cell and a control for controlling the reflectivity of the mirror cell, the assembly also including a pair of contact elements independently displaceable relative to the mirror cell while maintaining an electrical connection with the control, the contact elements also being engageable with opposite edges of the mirror cell in order to provide an electrical connection between the control and the mirror cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Engineering, GmbH
    Inventors: John P. Desmond, Garret Coady, John P. Drummond, Martin McGarry, Patrick J. Dowling, Sean Fletcher, David Powell
  • Patent number: 7800807
    Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes an electrochromic film, an electrically conductive reflective film formed at one thickness direction side of the electrochromic film, an electrically conductive film provided at one thickness direction side of the electrochromic film and at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film that is opposite from the electrochromic film, an electrolytic solution containing lithium ions and enclosed between the electrically conductive reflective film and the electrically conductive film, and a reduction reaction compensation unit. In the electrolytic solution, due to applying a voltage such that the electrically conductive film is made positive and electrically conductive reflective film is made negative, the lithium ions move toward the side of the electrochromic film and are provided to a reduction reaction of the electrochromic film. The reduction reaction compensation unit compensates the reduction reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho, National University Corporation Nagoya University
    Inventors: Junichi Nakaho, Masaharu Hattori, Atsushi Yamaguchi, Nagahiro Saito, Takahiro Ishizaki, Osamu Takai
  • Patent number: 7800816
    Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e. g oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Liquavista B.V.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hayes, Mickael Joulaud, Thibault J B Roques-Carmes, Stephanie A. Palmier
  • Patent number: 7777934
    Abstract: A color pixel structure of a color display system based on electrochromism. The color pixel structure includes two one-cell two-color type unit cells laminated. Each of the unit cells includes an upper panel, a lower panel and electrochromic materials of different colors applied to both the upper and lower panels. The color pixel structure exhibits improved color characteristics and have a simple structure. The color pixel structure can be applied to a variety of electrochromic displays due to their excellent visibility and simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Eun Jang, Seung Nam Cha, Jae Eun Jung, Chang Ho Noh
  • Publication number: 20100202036
    Abstract: A periscope that is switchable between the normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Minor, Henry Clarence Davies, Edward Charles Schwartz, Michael Jones Klingensmith
  • Patent number: 7729033
    Abstract: A device including: a first layer of material; a second layer of material disposed as a sealing layer; walls disposed to interconnect the first layer and second layer, wherein cavities are formed by the first layer, the second layer, and the walls; a fluid at least partially filling the cavities; and blocks integrally connected to the first layer of material, and defining housings filled at least partially with the material of the second layer and not including any of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Souriau
  • Patent number: 7680406
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid-lens assembly using an electrowetting method. The liquid-lens assembly includes a liquid-lens module, a barrel supporting the liquid-lens module, and a housing coupled to the barrel and having an image sensor. Electrodes are provided on the barrel and the housing, so that current is applied to the liquid-lens module through the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Sik Jung
  • Patent number: 7633669
    Abstract: Electrolyte solutions for electrochromic devices such as rear view mirrors and displays with low leakage currents are prepared using inexpensive, low conductivity conductors. Preferred electrolytes include bifunctional redox dyes and molten salt solvents with enhanced stability toward ultraviolet radiation. The solvents include lithium or quaternary ammonium cations, and perfluorinated sulfonylimide anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF3SO3?), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3SO2)2N?), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3CF2SO2)2N?) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF3SO2)3C?). Electroluminescent, electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices with nanostructured electrodes include ionic liquids with bifunctional redox dyes. Some of the electrolyte solutions color to red when devices employing the solutions are powered, leading to red or neutral electrooptic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony K. Burrell, Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Juan C. L. Tonazzi, Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McCleskey