Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a normally operating electrochromic device comprising an anodic material and a cathodic material wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, an additive, and means associated with the additive for maintaining a colorless or nearly colorless electrochromic medium while the electrochromic medium is in a high transmission state relative to an electrochromic medium without the additive.
Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use in a rotary filler device comprising a first product supply conduit, a second product supply conduit, and a product supply turret rotatably coupled to the first product supply conduit and the second product supply conduit, to, in turn, maintain substantially sealed coupling therebetween.
Abstract: A seat cushion assembly releasably securable to a chair comprising a cushion member having an upper surface for receiving an occupant and a lower surface opposite the upper surface for engaging the chair, at least three straps fastened to the cushion member, and a strap securing member fastenable to a bottom surface of the chair configured to releasably secure the at least three straps, and in turn, substantially preclude movement of the cushion upon the chair.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 7, 1999
Date of Patent:
September 18, 2001
Assignee:
Sit On Us
Inventors:
John F. Long, Darlene Long, Joe A. Pena, Michelle Pena
Abstract: Electrochromic compositions suitable for use in electrochromic media in electrochromic devices contain minimally two electrochromic compounds of the same redox type, whose redox potentials are greater than 30 mV. The lower redox potential electrochromic compound makes a large contribution to the absorbancy of the electrochromic medium despite being present in only minor concentration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 11, 2001
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
Harlan J. Byker, Thomas F. Guarr, Derick D. Winkle
Abstract: A substantially spherical frameless chair comprising an at least partially gas permeable outer liner, an at least partially gas permeable inner liner positioned inside of the outer liner, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces having a density between approximately 1.0 and approximately 3.0 pounds per cubic foot retained within the inner liner. The outer liner includes a first end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, a second end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, and an intermediate component having a substantially rectangular peripherical geometry wherein the first and second end components are secured to the intermediate component to, in turn, form a substantially spherical outer liner.
Abstract: A molluscicide containing a non-toxic animal repellant and metaldehyde, in which the molluscicidal efficacy of the molluscicide greater than that of the molluscicide if it did not contain repellant. The repellant may be an anthranilate compound or d-pulegone which present at a concentration of up to 1%.
Abstract: An instrument pickup assembly comprising, a piezoelectric transducer configured for association with a belly of a stringed instrument, a transmittable conduit associated with said piezoelectric transducer at a first end thereof, and means for securely positioning said piezoelectric transducer onto said belly of said stringed instrument.
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 28, 2000
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2001
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
Abstract: Anodic electrochromic materials for use in an electrochromic device comprising a first moiety, wherein the first moiety comprises a metallocene or a substituted metallocene, and a second moiety, wherein the second moiety comprises at least one constituent which serves to increase the solubility of the first moiety in an associated solvent relative to solubility of the first moiety without the second moiety.
Abstract: Coupling of anodic electrochromic compounds by a covalent bond or a bridge link which provides for electronic communication between the coupled electrochromic compounds results in coupled electrochromic compounds which exhibit greater stability as well as electrochromic activity that differs from the monomeric electrochromic compounds. Extension of the absorption spectrum into the near-infrared region of the spectrum is frequently observed. The coupled electrochromic compounds are highly suitable for use in electrochromic media used to produce electrochromic devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
June 19, 2001
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
David A. Theiste, Kelvin L. Baumann, Punam Giri, Thomas F. Guarr
Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 1999
Date of Patent:
June 19, 2001
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
Abstract: Dihydrophenazines and bis(dihydrophenazines) are prepared in high yield under commercially viable reaction conditions by reacting a catechol with a 1,2-diaminoaryl compound, wherein either the catechol or the 1,2-diaminoaryl compound is provided in at least 50% molar stoichiometric excess. The product may be oxidized to the corresponding phenazine, but is preferably derivatized at one or both of the 5,10-positions to form a monosubstituted or disubstituted dihydrophenazine or bis(dihydrophenazine). Most preferably, 5,10-dialkyl-5,10-dihydrophenazines are prepared starting from catechol and 1,2-diaminoaryl compound in a one pot synthesis. The products are useful as dyes, and in particular as chromophores in electrochromic systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 29, 1999
Date of Patent:
June 5, 2001
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
Punam Giri, Harlan J. Byker, Kelvin L. Baumann