Abstract: An improved seal member is provided as a part of an electrochromic device to bond two glass elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment the seal member provides improved adhesion to a reflector/electrode on the third surface of an electrochromic mirror, or to a layer of metal on the second or third surface for an electrochromic light filter. This seal member comprises a mixture of an organic resin sealing system and an adhesion promoter, where the adhesion promotor comprises a first and a second region, where the first region interacts with the reflector/electrode or the metal layer, and a second region that interacts with the organic resin sealing system, and may even chemically react with the organic resin sealing system. In another embodiment the seal member is provided with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closer to glass than a standard epoxy sealing system.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) includes a first electrode and a second electrode, one of which is substantially transparent to at least a portion of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. The electrolytic solution also contains halide and/or pseudohalide anions having a total molar concentration ratio of at least 6:1 compared to that of the electrodepositable metal. 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 to form a mirror deposit, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the REM device for electromagnetic radiation.

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

Abstract: An improved electrochromic device for rearview mirror for motor vehicles and windows, the device incorporating an improved conductive clip comprising an elongated unitary member having a resilient backwall section connecting a plurality of first resilient sections separated from one another by a plurality of recesses and a plurality of second resilient sections Laterally spaced from the plurality of first resilient sections and separated from one another by a plurality of recesses, where each of the plurality of first resilient sections have at least one dimple adapted to bear against a surface of an electrozhromic device that is coated with a transparent conductor, and where each of the plurality of second resilient sections are adapted to bear against another surface of said electrochromic device, where said unitary member is capable of bending in three directions and supplying a potential to the transparent conductor in a stable manner for long periods of time.

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: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating thin front and rear spaced glass elements having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A layer of transparent conductive material is placed onto the mirror's second surface, and either another layer of transparent conductive material or a combined reflector/electrode is placed onto the mirror's third surface. A chamber, defined by the layers on the interior surfaces of the front and rear glass elements and a peripheral sealing member, contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix. The chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with the solvent and interspersed in the crosslinked polymer matrix.

Abstract: Single-compartment, self-erasing, solution-phase electrochromic devices, solutions of electrochromic compounds for use as media of variable transmittance in such devices, and electrochromic compounds for such solutions are provided. The devices of the invention are surprisingly stable to cycling between light and dark states, have continuously variable transmittance to light as a function of electrical potential applied across the solution in a device, and have transmittance that can be varied over more than a factor of 10, from clear to dark or from dark to clear, in several seconds. Thus, the devices are especially suitable as variable transmittance components of variable transmission light filters, including windows, and variable reflectance mirrors, including anti-glare rearview mirrors in automobiles.

Abstract: The electrochromic element (20) comprises a substrate (28) and an electrochromic layer (25) having a thickness d on the basis of a metal oxide selected from the group formed by tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, niobium oxide, manganese oxide and zirconium oxide, or combinations thereof. The electrochromic layer (25) is characterized in that the oxygen content in the layer (25) varies across the thickness d of the layer (25). Preferably, the variation of the oxygen content in the layer (25) comprises at least two local maxima and a local minimum. Preferably, the electrochromic layer (25) is composed of a plurality of sub-layers (25', 25", 25'"), with the variation of the oxygen content in the layer (25) occurring predominantly at the location of transitions between two sub-layers. Preferably, the electrochromic layer (25) comprises the metal oxide tungsten oxide WO.sub.x. The electrochromic element may be provided on the display screen of a display device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric coating material used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage. The protective polymeric coating material in the present invention are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers. The polymeric coating materials in the present invention are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group consisting of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates and polysulfones.

Abstract: An electrochromic glazing assembly is disclosed with reduced near-infrared radiation transmission and reduced ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmission. The assembly may include at least a pair of glass or other elements confining an electrochromic medium therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation reducing means are incorporated for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmission through the assembly. A polymeric antilacerative layer is disposed on one surface of one of the glass elements for preventing lacerative injuries. Reduced near-infrared radiation transmission means may also be included.

Abstract: A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves cutting a circumferential groove into the edge region of the device at the ion-conducting interface of its substrates. Sealant is then applied to the groove. Sealed devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel edge design for a laminated electrochromic device containing an ion-conducting material layer prone to moisture gain or loss disposed between first and second substrates is disclosed. The device is characterized by a continuous nub on its circumferential edge which is aligned with the ion-conducting material interface between the substrates forming the device. The nub can be used to interlock with a peripheral edge seal.

Abstract: Printed electrochemical display cells are arranged in layer form with two electrode layers and an electrolyte layer occupying distinct areas of a substrate. An electrolyte layer overlaps most of one electrode layer but contacts a smaller portion of the other electrode layer, which is made of a thin film. When activated, an electrochemical reaction progressively increases the area occupied by the electrolyte layer and progressively decreases the area occupied by the thin-film electrode layer. The thin-film electrode layer recedes at a boundary in common with the electrolyte layer and provides an irreversible indication of change at a rate governed by the electrochemical reaction.

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 electrochromic glazing assembly is disclosed with reduced near-infrared radiation transmission and reduced ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmission. The assembly may include a pair of glass or other elements confining an electrochromic medium therebetween. Near-infrared reflective means are preferably included as at least one of a semitransparent, elemental thin metal film and a low emittance coating. Preferably, the assembly reflects at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from about 800 nanometers to about 2500 nanometers.

Abstract: An electrochromic display and a method for making thereof are disclosed. The display has isolated and perforated reflectors separating an electrolyte confined between two electrodes. The front electrode is transparent. The reflector eliminates the need to include pigment particles in the electrolyte to mask the black rear electrode and to provide a desired color background. The pigment free electrolyte is thinner than a pigmented electrolyte. The reflector reflects light back to the transparent electrode thus masking the rear electrode and providing a background color other than black. When the rear electrode is driven by a drive circuit, ions of the electrolyte and current pass through the reflector towards the front electrode, where a coloration reaction occurs to form an image. The electrochromic display is thin, has high resolution, and does not exhibit image spreading and distortion.

Abstract: An electrochromic device and a method for manufacturing the same, which device at least comprises a pair of opposed transparent substrates provided with a pair of opposed transparent electrodes therebetween; and an oxidative coloring electrochromic layer, a layer comprising an oxidative coloring electrochromic material and a metal oxide, a transparent ion conductive layer, and a reductive coloring electrochromic layer provided between the pair of transparent electrodes. Thereby, an electrochromic device can be provided, which device exhibits high optical transmittance during discoloring and shows excellent response speed and repeated-durability when being driven at high contrast ratio.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides variable reflectance automobile mirrors wherein the component of variable transmittance is an electrochromic device wherein the medium of variable transmittance comprises an electrochromic compound in a gel or a thickened solution.

Abstract: An electrochromic system comprising a transparent electrically conducting film (2), a film (3) of a cathodic electrochromic material, which is capable of reversibly inserting M.sup.+ cations of type H.sup.+ or Li.sup.+, an electrolyte film (5), counter-electrode film (7) made of an anodic electrochromic material, and a second electrically conducting film (8), said structure having a barrier film (6) interposed between electrolyte (5) and the counter-electrode (7), which barrier film is open to the diffusion of the M.sup.+ cations and which is constituted of the following materials selected from the group consisting of oxides of metals of Group VB of the Periodic Table, mixtures of these oxides, CeF.sub.3, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, HUP (hexauranylphosphate), Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, and an ion conductor material of Li.sub.3 N, LiTaO.sub.3, LiAlF.sub.4, Li.sub.3 PO.sub.4, LiBO.sub.2 or LiNbO.sub.3.

Abstract: A method of forming an optically transparent seal involves the steps of providing an uncured resinous material, adding a spacing media to the resinous material and curing the resinous material. The spacing media can have an index of refraction similar to that of the resinous or an antireflective coating provided thereon. A filler material can also be added to the resinous material.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: An electrochromic device of wholly solid type comprising a transparent substrate and a transparent electroconductive film formed on the substrate, and having an oxidation color forming oxide, a cation conductive layer as an electrolyte, a reduction color forming oxide and a transparent electroconductive film, formed sequentially on said transparent electroconductive film formed on the substrate, wherein:(1) the oxidation color forming oxide is a p-type semiconductor of nickel oxide or cobalt oxide,(2) the cation conductive layer has OH groups showing a peak at about 3,300 (1/cm) in its infrared reflectance spectrum and is made of proton conductive SbO.sub.c wherein 1.3.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.2.7, or at least one lithium conductive lithium-containing oxide of LiO.sub.d MO.sub.e wherein 0.01.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.1.0, 1.3.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.2.

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 ruthenium oxide between the ion conductor and the layer of gold. The layer of ruthenium oxide is not an electrochromic material.

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

Abstract: An electrochromic system comprising a transparent electrically conducting film (2), a film (3) of a cathodic electrochromic material, which is capable of reversibly inserting M.sup.+ cations of type H.sup.+ or Li.sup.+, an electrolyte film (5), counter-electrode film (7) made of an anodic electrochromic material, and a second electrically conducting film (8), said structure having a barrier film (6) interposed between electrolyte (5) and the counter-electrode (7), which barrier film is open to the diffusion of the M.sup.+ cations and which is constituted of the following materials selected from the group consisting of oxides of metals of Group VB of the Periodic Table, mixtures of these oxides, CeF.sub.3, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, HUP (hexauranylphosphate), Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, and an ion conductor material of Li.sub.3 N, LiTaO.sub.3, LiAlF.sub.4, Li.sub.3 PO.sub.4, LiBO.sub.2 or LiNbO.sub.3.

Abstract: An electrochromic device for use in the field of optical lenses. The device includes a substrate having an expanse and an edge region. A first electrode layer is coated on the expanse and extends substantially across the expanse and into the edge region. An electrochromic layer is coated on the first electrode so that the first electrode layer physically isolates the electrochromic layer from the substrate. A second electrode layer is coated on the electrochromic layer, so that the electrochromic layer physically isolates the second electrode layer from the first electrode layer. A first contact is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. An isolative barrier is coated on the first electrode layer in the edge region. A second contact is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. Alternatively, an isolative channel is formed in the second electrode layer to electrically isolate the first electrode layer from the second electrode layer.

Abstract: The invention makes available an electrochromic right valve (1) with an active electrochromic layer (2) and a passive electrochromic layer (3). Between the two electrochromic layers is an electrolyte (4). Each of the electrochromic layers is connected to an associated electrode (5, 6). The active electrochromic layer can accept electrons from its electrodes and ions of a particular element from the electrolyte to become reversibly colored. The passive electrochromic layer acts as a reservoir for ions of the species concerned, donating such ions to and accepting them from the electrolyte. At the operating temperature of the electrochromic light valve, the passive layer is super-saturated with the element which provides the ions of the species concerned. The invention also covers a method of manufacturing the electrochromic light valve and uses of the valve.

Abstract: An electrochromic cell is disclosed which comprises an electrochromic layer and a composite ion counter electrode for transporting ions. The counter electrode further comprises a polymer electrolyte material and an organosulfur material in which, in its discharged state, the organosulfur material is further comprised of a mercaptan or an organothiolate. In one preferred embodiment, both the electrochromic electrode and the counter electrode are transparent either to visible light or to the entire electromagnetic spectrum in both charged and discharged states. An electrochromic device is disclosed which comprises one or more electrochromic electrodes encased in glass or plastic plates on the inner surface of each of which is formed a transparent electrically conductive film. Electrical contacts, which are in electrical contact with the conductive films, facilitate external electrical connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to produce a thin film three dimensional microelectrode of an electrically conductive polymer having an organized array of identical microprotrusions, which method comprises:(a) depositing at least one conductive metal thin film on an essentially smooth substrate,(b) depositing a thin film of a micropositive photoresist on the surface of the at least one conductive metal thin film,(c) subjecting the combination of step (b) to photolithographic or electron beam lithographic conditions with a mask capable of producing a metallic microwell,(d) electrochemically polymerizing an electrically conductive polymer onto the conducting metal,(e) removing the photoresist to produce the three dimensional microelectrode array of the electrically conductive polymer. Preferred electrically conductive polymers of step (d) are selected from polypyrrole or polyaniline.

Abstract: The present invention has as its subject an electrochromic pane including two glass sheets (1, 2), each coated with a transparent electrically conducting film (3, 4) and separated by an electrode of electrochromic material (5), an electrolyte (6) and a counter-electrode (7). The electrically conducting films (3, 4) are, on the one hand, connected by current supply leads (8, 9) to an electrical supply system generating a potential difference (U.sub.1) according to a desired modification to the coloration of the electrochromic material and, on the other hand, are connected to each other at least at a portion of their periphery by an electrically conducting material (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic glazing successively comprising a glass sheet, a first electrode constituted by a transparent electroconductive layer, whose square resistance is below 5 Ohms, a layer of a cathodic electrochromic material, an electrolyte, a layer of an anodic electrochromic material and a second transparent electroconductive electrode, barrier layers being inserted between the said electrodes and the said electrochromic material layers, the square resistance of the assembly formed by an electrode and its barrier layer being below 5 Ohms.

Abstract: A chromogenic device with a chromogenic material facing a conductive layer, in which the transmission of incident radiation through the conductive layer and the chromogenic material is enhanced. The enhancement is achieved by adjusting indices of refraction of layers embracing the conductive layer.

Abstract: An electrode of nickel oxide intercalated with lithium ions, is obtained by:thermally evaporating, under vacuum, nickel oxide (Ni.sub.2 O.sub.3) and depositing on a conductive glass substrate a film of nickel oxide in which the atomic ratio of nickel to oxygen is comprised within the range of from 0.7:1 to 0.9:1, up to a thickness of the order of 100 nm; andactivating the thin film of nickel oxide by electrochemical intercalation of an amount of lithium ions, which corresponds to a charge level of from 100 to 1,000 C/m.sup.2. An electrochromic window is disclosed, which comprises:(a) an electrode of tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3) on a transparent, conductive glass sheet; and(b) an electrode of nickel oxide activated by electrochemical intercalation of lithium metal, on a transparent, conductive glass sheet;(c) an electrolyte interposed between the (a) electrode and the (b) electrode;wherein the nickel oxide electrode was obtained as said hereinabove.

Abstract: Electrochromic optical device and method to produce the same. The device includes first substrate (1) on the one side of the substrate a first transparent conductor (2) on the conductor a first electrochromic layer (3), a second substrate (4), on the one side of the second substrate a second transparent conductor (5), on the second transparent conductor, a second electrochromic layer (6), the two substrates are laminated to each other by means of a solid state polymer with their sides carrying the respective transparent conductor and electrochromic layer facing each other. The polymer work as an ion conductor and is based on methylacrylate and poly(propyleneglycol) doped with a metal salt.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrochromic glazing system which comprises means to reduce and preferably eliminate all trapped air from the system so as to avoid the formation of undesirable air bubbles trapped therein. The method comprises coating at least a portion of an inner surface of a first glass support sheet with a transparent electroconductive layer, followed by a layer of an electrochromic material which serves as an electrode. A second glass support sheet is also coated upon its inner aspect with an electroconductive layer, upon which is coated a counterelectrode layer. Thereafter, an electrolyte layer is deposited upon either the electrochromic, i.e., electrode layer, or the counterelectrode layer. The two coated glass support plates thereafter are preassembled, that is, they are oriented one above the other with their uncoated surfaces facing outwardly such that their coated portions are adjacent, but not in contact, with each other.

Abstract: The performance and operating characteristics of electrochromic devices may be improved by the incorporation of a moisture control layer comprised of either water reservoir material or water scavenger material in conjunction with a moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer within the device. The water reservoir material provides a source of water for those electrochromic stacks which require water for proper operation. For stacks which require protection from moisture, water scavenger material may be utilized. A moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer separates the moisture control layer from the electrochromic stack. The invention is also directed towards methods of incorporating such layers into electrochromic devices during their manufacture.

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

Abstract: A uniform, topographically planar layer of an electroactive polymer is electrodeposited onto a conductive substrate by first electrodepositing onto the conductive substrate a thin initiating layer of a different electroactive polymer prepared from monomer having a lower oxidation potential.

Abstract: A electromagnetic radiation modulating laminate comprises consecutively a conductive substrate, a persistent first metal layer, a fast ion conductor layer containing cations of a second metal, a transition metal compound ion storage layer, and an electrode. The transmission and reflection of electromagnetic radiation is modulated by the reversible dissolution and re-deposition of at least a part of the persistent first metal layer into and out from the fast ion conductor layer, upon the application of a reversible electrical potential across the conductive substrate and the electrode.

Abstract: An interposed layer of amorphous carbon promotes the adhesion between conductive substrates and electrochemically deposited polymers. Such a carbon layer may be deposited directly onto the conductive substrate by conventional methods such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition. The subsequently applied electrochemically deposited polymer adheres more tenaciously to the amorphous carbon coating than if it had been electrodeposited directly onto the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A reduced first surface reflectivity electrochromic/electrochemichromic rearview mirror assembly provides improved glare reduction and substantially less noticeable double imaging. Preferably, the assembly includes an anti-reflective layer or coating on the outermost, front surface of the front glass substrate/panel. The coating can be a single thin film or a multiple layer thin film stack of suitable durability and index of refraction. Alternately, a gradient refractive index layer produced by surface leaching, dip coating and heating, or ion implantation may be used. The invention is especially useful in electrochemichromic mirror assemblies having a laminated front glass where unwanted total reflection and double imaging could otherwise be pronounced because of opportunities for nonparallel attachment of the multiple glass substrates.