Diverse Layer Patents (Class 359/274)
  • Patent number: 11187954
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors, as well as methods and apparatus for fabricating such electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors. In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device or precursor may include one or more particular materials such as a particular electrochromic material and/or a particular counter electrode material. In various implementations, the electrochromic material includes tungsten titanium molybdenum oxide. In these or other implementation, the counter electrode material may include nickel tungsten oxide, nickel tungsten tantalum oxide, nickel tungsten niobium oxide, nickel tungsten tin oxide, or another material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Rozbicki, Sridhar Karthik Kailasam
  • Patent number: 10101583
    Abstract: An electro-optic assembly configured to be operably connected to a heads up display system of a vehicle is provided that includes a first substrate with a first surface, a second surface, and a second substrate with a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are configured to be held in a parallel spaced apart relationship and sealed around a perimeter of the first and second substrates. An antireflection coating is positioned on the third surface of the second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate. A transflective coating is positioned on at least one of the first and second surfaces and an electrochromic medium is positioned between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is configured to reflect an image from a projector of the heads up display system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 9494840
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Young Park
  • Patent number: 9456513
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to gasket materials used for attaching and sealing covers to enclosures. More particularly, this disclosure relates to form-in-place gaskets, applied to surfaces of containers for sensitive electronic components. The gaskets include a flexible polymer and a micropowder polyolefin filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott B. Charles, Michael A. Kropp, Ashu N. Mujumdar
  • Patent number: 9368539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device including a first semiconductor substrate and a first atom diffusion prevention portion, the first atom diffusion prevention portion being arranged at a part on the first semiconductor substrate and configured to prevent diffusion of an atom having a dangling bond terminating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Baba, Masaaki Bairo, Hirokazu Ejiri
  • Patent number: 9323025
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kinematic mount having a base part (8) and a bracket part (7), which is positioned on the base part (8), and which is tiltable relative thereto around at least one tilting axis. The invention provides that the mount has at least one pivot lever (22, 23), which is connected to the base part (8) by way of a first joint (25), and which is connected to the bracket part (7) by way of a second joint (27, 24, 28), which is spaced apart from the first joint (25) in a longitudinal direction of the pivot lever (22, 23). The base part (8), the pivot lever (22, 23), and the bracket part (7) form a gear unit, which converts a movement of an actuator (11, 12) impacting the pivot lever (22, 23) into a tilting of the bracket part (7) relative to the base part (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOPTICA Photonics AG
    Inventors: Rainer Heidemann, Frank Lison
  • Patent number: 9224343
    Abstract: There is provided a display device, which is arranged to display a predetermined fixed image, having a pixel electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel portions, and opaque solidified electrolyte arranged in a plurality of separated segments in ionic contact with a respective pixel portion, wherein each electrolyte segment and respective pixel portion form a pixel element. The fixed image display further comprises at least one continuous electrode layer extending across at least two rows and two columns of the pixel matrix, and is connected to the electrolyte segments of a subset of the pixel elements. Upon application of an electric potential difference between the patterned electrode layer and the pixel electrode layer, the pixel portions of the subset of the pixel elements switch color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: ACREO SWEDISH ICT AB, LINTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Andersson Ersman, Göran Gustafsson, David Nilsson, Jun Kawahara, Kazuya Katoh
  • Patent number: 9130170
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing the surface of a metal substrate. The present disclosure also relates to an organic photovoltaic device including a metal substrate made by such method. Also disclosed herein is an inverted photosensitive device including a stainless steel foil reflective electrode, an organic donor-acceptor heterojunction over the reflective electrode, and a transparent electrode over the donor-acceptor heterojunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Xiaoran Tong, Jun Yeob Lee, Yong Joo Cho
  • Patent number: 9030724
    Abstract: This invention discloses how electrooptic devices including electrochromic devices that can be fabricated as tags or labels; and further the materials used, device structures and how these can be processed by printing technologies and on flexible substrates. In addition, systems using displays of such devices and their integration with other components are described for forming labels and tags, etc, that may be actuated wirelessly or powered with low voltage and low capacity batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Chromera, Inc.
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Lori L. Adams, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • Publication number: 20150124308
    Abstract: An electro-optic element comprises a first substrate, including first and second surfaces. The first substrate contains at least a first layer of electrically conductive material that is deposited on the second surface and is substantially transparent. The element also comprises a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate containing a second layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium, and each substrate with a width and a height such that the ratio of width to height is less than or equal to 2. In addition, the element is configured such that a relative darkening timing factor substantially across the element is less than a factor of 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Kevin B. Kar, John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, Gary J. Dozeman
  • Patent number: 8970938
    Abstract: An electrochromic device (1) comprises a layered structure (11) having an ion conducting electrolyte layer (20). The ion conducting electrolyte layer (20) in turn comprises particles (30) absorbing electromagnetic radiation. The particles (30) are electrically conducting. The particles have a main light absorption above 700 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Chromogenics AB
    Inventor: Claes Göran Granqvist
  • Patent number: 8947758
    Abstract: This invention focuses on automotive electrochromic (EC) mirrors. There are several ways to improve the attribute of this product and also use superior processing methods. This invention improves on busbars which are used to power these devices. This discloses novel busbar designs, materials and busbar deposition methods. This invention also addresses the composition of transparent conductor coatings which can be used in an advantageous configuration for third surface mirrors, and corrosion resistant reflective coating compositions for EC mirrors. Processing methods to deposit coatings for third surface mirrors are also disclosed. Insignias may also be incorporated in EC mirrors by using conductive materials deposited on the second surface of an EC mirror configuration that is formed by two substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ajjer, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi, Robert S. LeCompte, John P. Cronin
  • Publication number: 20140320945
    Abstract: A display device includes a first bitable display, a second display, and a bitable electrochromic member sandwiched between the first bitable display and the second display. The first bitable display is switchable between a transparent status and a displaying status. The electrochromic member is switchable between a transparent status and a color status under predetermined voltage, with a response time of the second display being less than 30 milliseconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PO-CHOU CHEN
  • Patent number: 8873127
    Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, Scott D. Frasher
  • Patent number: 8810888
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to electrochemical devices including an electrochemically active layer having the ability of electrochemically altering its redox state. By providing a portion of an electrode of corrosion resistant material between an electrolyte and an electrochemically active layer, undesired discoloration due to the electrochemical reaction of an electrochemical device is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Acreo Swedish ICT AB
    Inventors: Peter Andersson Ersman, David Nilsson, Magnus Berggren, Per-Olof Svensson, Nathaniel D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8773746
    Abstract: An all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic element having a multilayer film formed on a transparent substrate, which is characterized in that the multilayer film has a multilayer structure comprising at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, a catalyst layer, a reflective dimming layer, and a protective layer formed on the transparent substrate, and which is sealed with the protective layer, and a dimming member comprising the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazuki Tajima, Yasusei Yamada, Kazuki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8773747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic devices and methods for functionalizing cellulose-based materials, in production and post-production stages, in order to obtain solid-state electrochromic devices. The invention is in the field of electrochemistry. These functionalized cellulose-based materials have typical electrochromic characteristics, specifically the capacity to change the oxidation state, leading to a modification of the physical properties, shown by a color change when exposed to an electric potential difference, being this color change reversible. The color remains in the absence of any electric stimulus, demonstrating a memory effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: YD Ynvisible, S.A.
    Inventors: Isabel Maria Mercês Ferreira, Cláudia Brito Da Costa, Elvira Maria Correla Fortunato, Rodrígo Ferrão de Paiva Martins, Inês Domingues da Silva Henríques
  • Patent number: 8743048
    Abstract: A disclosed electrochromic display element includes a display substrate, a counter substrate facing the display substrate, display electrodes arranged between the display substrate and the counter substrate, electrochromic layers formed on the respective display electrodes, a plurality of drive elements arranged on the counter substrate at predetermined intervals, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged on the drive elements, a charge retention layer formed over the pixel electrodes as a continuous layer, the charge retention layer being formed of a mixed film including a polymer and one of electric conductive microparticles and semiconductor microparticles, and an electrolyte layer sandwitched between the display substrate and the charge retention layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yoshinori Okada, Tohru Yashiro, Akishige Murakami, Shigenobu Hirano, Yoshihisa Naijo
  • Patent number: 8736942
    Abstract: An electrochromic device that is capable of changing the transmission of either visible or infrared radiations as a function of the polarity of a voltage applied to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Steven M. Risser, Vincent D. McGinniss, Amy M. Heintz, Kevin B. Spahr, James D. Browning
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8693078
    Abstract: This invention contemplates integrating laser scribing/patterning the component layers of electrochromic devices by directly removing (ablating) the material of the component layers. To minimize redeposition of laser ablated material and particulate formation on device surfaces a number of approaches may be used: (1) ablated material generated by the focused laser patterning may be removed by vacuum suction and/or application of an inert gas jet in the vicinity of the laser ablation of device material; (2) spatial separation of the edges of layers and patterning of lower layers prior to deposition of upper layers; and (3) the laser patterning step may be performed by a laser beam focused directly on the deposited layers from above, by a laser beam directed through the transparent substrate, or by a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung Sung Kwak, Nety Krishna
  • Publication number: 20140071513
    Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, Scott D. Frasher
  • 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: 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: 8493646
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Patent number: 8482840
    Abstract: A display device of this embodiment includes a first insulating substrate having a display surface; a first resistive layer disposed on a surface of the first insulating substrate, the surface being opposite the display surface; a first electrochromic layer disposed on a surface of the first resistive layer; an electrolyte layer disposed on a surface of the first electrochromic layer; and a plurality of first electrodes connected to the first resistive layer. In the display device, a voltage is applied to the plurality of first electrodes so that a voltage gradient is generated in an in-plane direction of the first resistive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Suzuki
  • 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: 8373920
    Abstract: A display device includes a pair of insulating substrates facing each other, electrochromic elements, and an electrolyte layer. A plurality of electrodes constituting the electrochromic elements are disposed on an inner surface of one of the insulating substrates so as to be spaced from each other. One of the insulating substrates is formed of a flexible member whose outer surface is an input operation surface. A pair of counter electrodes of an input element are disposed between the pair of insulating substrates, the counter electrodes being spaced from the electrodes of the electrochromic elements when viewed in plan. An input operation is performed by bringing the counter electrodes close to each other or bringing the counter electrodes into contact with each other through pressing of the input operation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8368992
    Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second substrate in spaced-apart relationship to the first substrate and having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon application of an electric field thereto. The electrochromic element further comprises a transparent electrode layer covering at least a portion of at least a select one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, wherein the transparent electrode layer comprises an insulator/metal/insulator stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Scott W. VanderZwaag
  • Publication number: 20130010347
    Abstract: An all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic element having a multilayer film formed on a transparent substrate, which is characterized in that the multilayer film has a multilayer structure comprising at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, a catalyst layer, a reflective dimming layer, and a protective layer formed on the transparent substrate, and which is sealed with the protective layer, and a dimming member comprising the same are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Kazuki Tajima, Yasusei Yamada, Kazuki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8294974
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic material including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and an electrochromic device including the electrochromic material. In Chemical Formula 1, R1, R2, L1, and L2 are as defined in the detailed description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rupasree Ragini Das, Ji-Min Lee, Chang-Ho Noh, Seog-Jin Jeon
  • 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: 8284471
    Abstract: In a touch control electrochromic device such as a resistive or capacitive touch panel, the electrochromic device combined with a resistive touch panel includes a resistive touch panel unit having a first transparent conductive substrate and a second conductive substrate; an electrochromic material, which is a pure liquid filled into the resistive touch panel unit; an insulator installed at internal peripheries of the first transparent conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate; and a controller electrically coupled to the resistive touch panel unit for turning on/off an external power source of the electrochromic material by an external touch control signal. The resistive touch panel unit directly drives the coloration/decoloration of the electrochromic material to achieve the effect of a power saving window or smart glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: J Touch Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Chou Yeh, Chao-Yi Wang, Wen-Chih Lo, Tsung-Her Yeh
  • Patent number: 8284472
    Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state type reflection light controllable electrochromic device having a buffer layer, and the constitution thereof comprises an all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device in which a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, catalyst layer, and a reflective light controllable layer of a magnesium alloy thin film, in particular a multilayer thin film that uses a magnesium-nickel alloy, magnesium-titanium alloy or magnesium-niobium alloy, are formed on a transparent base that uses a glass or resin sheet, and a method for manufacturing the device, and an optical switchable component that incorporates the reflective light controllable electrochromic device, and according to the present invention, a reflective light controllable electrochromic device having a novel multilayer structure can be provided that enables high transmittance when it is transparent and enables switching in a short time over a w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Yasusel Yamada, Kazuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 8269637
    Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8228587
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Publication number: 20120139824
    Abstract: A disclosed electrochromic display element includes a display substrate, a counter substrate facing the display substrate, display electrodes arranged between the display substrate and the counter substrate, electrochromic layers formed on the respective display electrodes, a plurality of drive elements arranged on the counter substrate at predetermined intervals, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged on the drive elements, a charge retention layer formed over the pixel electrodes as a continuous layer, the charge retention layer being formed of a mixed film including a polymer and one of electric conductive microparticles and semiconductor microparticles, and an electrolyte layer sandwitched between the display substrate and the charge retention layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI, Yoshinori OKADA, Tohru YASHIRO, Akishige MURAKAMI, Shigenobu HIRANO, Yoshihisa NAIJO
  • Patent number: 8189255
    Abstract: The present invention provides an all solid state type reflection light control electrochromic element and a light control member that uses this element, relates to an all solid state type reflection light control electrochromic element, which is a magnesium/titanium alloy reflection type light control element in which a multilayer thin film is formed on a transparent substrate, wherein at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a catalyst layer, and a reflection light control layer employing a magnesium/titanium alloy thin film are formed on the substrate; and a light control member which is incorporated with this reflection light control electrochromic element, and the present invention allows a reflection light control electrochromic element, which has a novel multilayer structure that is colorless when transparent and can be switched in a short time over a wide area, as well as a light control member incorporated with this element to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Kazuki Tajima, Shanhu Bao, Yasusei Yamada
  • 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: 8049632
    Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110096388
    Abstract: This invention discloses how EC devices can be fabricated as tags or labels; and further the materials used, device structures and how these can be processed by printing technologies. In addition, systems using displays of such EC devices and their integration with other components are described for forming labels and tags, etc, that may be actuated wirelessly or powered with low voltage and low capacity batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: AJJER LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Lori L. Adams, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • 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: 7835059
    Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a tristate electrochromic device, comprising: (a) at least one solvent; (b) at least one anodic material; (c) at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein, in a first state, the electrochromic medium exhibits a maximum light transmission; (e) wherein, in a second state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in one of visible radiation or near-infrared radiation without significant attenuation in the other; and (f) wherein, in a third state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in the other spectral region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Punam Giri, Thomas F. Guarr
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100188726
    Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state type reflection light controllable electrochromic device having a buffer layer, and the constitution thereof comprises an all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device in which a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, catalyst layer, and a reflective light controllable layer of a magnesium alloy thin film, in particular a multilayer thin film that uses a magnesium-nickel alloy, magnesium-titanium alloy or magnesium-niobium alloy, are formed on a transparent base that uses a glass or resin sheet, and a method for manufacturing the device, and an optical switchable component that incorporates the reflective light controllable electrochromic device, and according to the present invention, a reflective light controllable electrochromic device having a novel multilayer structure can be provided that enables high transmittance when it is transparent and enables switching in a short time over a w
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TEHCNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Yasusel Yamada, Kazuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 7660029
    Abstract: Tunable photonic crystals offer an interesting possibility to adjust the photonic band gap (PBG) as per requirement. Various methods of achieving this have been tried that include polarization of liquid crystals, thermal effects and more. Chromogenic devices provided in accordance with the present invention include combinations and subcombinations of electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic devices featuring TMO based inverse opals having tunable photonic band gaps (PBG) for certain frequencies. Electrochromic (EC) materials in which a reversible optical property change can be induced with the application of a small electric field offer a novel possibility to tune the PBG in a controlled and reversible way. The reversible chemical change and the ensuing change of optical constants in these periodically arranged EC materials make the PBG tunability possible. In a recent work we have demonstrated for the first time the PBG tunability of EC materials deposited in the form of periodic inverse opals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Universite de Moncton
    Inventors: Pandurang Ashrit, Sulan Kuai
  • Patent number: 7586667
    Abstract: A solid-state electronic electrochromic device (ECD) operates electronically rather than relying on the ionic motion that is common in electrochromic devices. The electronic ECD has at least one active layer sandwiched between two electrodes. The active layer is made of mixed metal oxides and may be made of a mixture of tungsten and praseodymium oxides. The electronic ECD may have only a single active layer, or may have multiple layers that have the same composition and that are separated by thin transparent metal films. Some versions of the electronic ECD incorporate a distribution of small metal particles within the active layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hulya Demiryont