Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a charge/discharge voltage applied to an EC device to ensure that an appropriate voltage drop across the EC device is maintained during charge and/or discharge modes of operation. The appropriate voltage drop is determined with respect to a temperature measurement proximate the EC device. The charge level of the device is monitored using a coulomb counter circuit having a topology designed to minimize interference in the operation of the EC device.

Abstract: A method for applying a bus bar to the peripheral edge region of a shaped substrate is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a protective coating to a blank substrate; 2) edging the blank substrate to shape; 3) applying a conductive coating to the peripheral edge region of the shaped substrate; and 4) removing the protective coating, along with excess conductive material.

Abstract: Novel process for preparing carbamoyl pyridinium compounds using novel solvent/fatty amine reaction systems.

Abstract: A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves inserting a device to be sealed into a mold having a cavity aligned with the portion of the edge region to be sealed, and injecting a sealant into the cavity. Devices containing molded edge seals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying a conductive metal bus bar/tab system to the peripheral edge region of a substrate, such as an ophthalmic lens, is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying conductive metal bus bar to said substrate; and 2) attaching a tab to said bus bar so as to ensure electrical contact between the tab and bus bar. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oxychlorination catalyst is produced by mixing together wet support material, copper chloride or precursor thereof, to form a paste, wherein the wet support material is wet clay, wet silica, wet silica gel, wet alumina, wet diatomaceous earth, or a mixture of two or more thereof; removing water from the paste to produce a substantially dry mixture; and calcining the substantially dry mixture at elevated temperatures to produce a calcined mixture wherein alkali metal chloride or precursor thereof is mixed with the wet support material or an aqueous solution of alkali metal chloride or precursor thereof is applied to the paste, the substantially dry mixture, or the calcined mixture and the water of the aqueous solution is substantially removed. Preferably wet attapulgus clay, cupric chloride, and potassium chloride are mixed to form the paste.

Abstract: A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a disc-shaped device is disclosed. The method involves contacting the peripheral edge surface to be sealed with a sealant layer or sealant precursor layer and rotating the device so as to roll its peripheral edge surface through the sealant layer or sealant precursor layer. Removal of the device followed by a curing step completes the process.

Abstract: Hinge and one or more wires, or electrical conductors, wherein a segment of such wire or wires extends axially through at least one hollow pivot pin portion of a hinge and wherein such segment of the wire or wires is placed in torsion upon the hinge being pivoted.

Abstract: A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a laminated electrooptic device, wherein an aromatic glycidyl amine-based epoxy is used as a seal. Sealed devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-piece lens block allows for the rotation of an edged lens blank in order to align the cylinder of the lens blank correctly. The lens block includes a substantially cylindrical base having a first surface facing the lens blank and an opposed second surface with a plurality of driving recesses extending into the base from the second surface. A ring member surrounds the base and includes a mounting surface generally adjacent to the lens blank. The ring member is rotatable relative to the base prior to the attachment of the lens blank to the lens block. An edged lens-shaped cavity is provided in the ring member and provides for nearly full surface contact of an attachment alloy with a front surface of the lens blank to alleviate distortion. The two-piece lens block allows edged lens blanks to be surfaced to finished lenses.

Abstract: Hinge and one or more wires, or electrical conductors, wherein portion of such wire or wires extends axially through the hollow pivot pin of a hinge and wherein such portion of the wire or wires is placed in torsion upon the hinge being pivoted.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously edging a complementary pair of ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. In this method, 1) the lenses to be edged are stacked or temporarily bonded; 2) the stacked or temporarily bonded lenses are simultaneously edged; and 3) the edged lenses are separated. Laminated devices prepared using lenses edge via this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing laminated composites such as laminated electrochromic devices is disclosed. The method involves placing a plurality of shims between first and second substrates prior to lamination using a laminating adhesive. The shims maintain uniform spacing during lamination. Devices prepared via the instant method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying bus bar tab system to the peripheral edge region of a substrate such as an ophthalmic lens is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a curable conductive epoxy to said substrate so as to embed a tab into said curable conductive epoxy; and 2) curing said curable conductive epoxy. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charge state of an electrochromic devices according to the invention, where the electrochromic devices receives a charging current, comprises: a reference impedance, coupled to receive a reference current proportional to the charging current, the reference impedance having a known impedance relationship with the electrochromic device; a comparator, coupled to the reference impedance, for comparing a voltage level of the reference impedance to a threshold voltage level and producing an output signal indicative of the comparison; and control logic, coupled to the comparator, for simultaneously adapting the reference current and the charging current in response to the output signal of the comparator. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is included within a pair of eyeglasses.

Abstract: A method and concomitant apparatus for use in an electrochromic control system in which components causing the charging and discharging of an electrochromic device are subject to drift errors and other errors. In the case of such errors, the actual programming level and the desired programming level as indicated by, e.g., a count value, may diverge. The invention periodically determines the actual programming level of the electrochromic device and responsively adjusts a parameter representative of the desired programming level.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and methodology facilitating an accurate, user-friendly system for controlling the charge state (i.e., color level) of an electrochromic device. The invention provides a two button control methodology implemented as a sequential logic controller or, in another embodiment, a microprocessor-based controller. After initiation via, e.g., an external switch, the invention iteratively modifies and measures a charge level of the electrochromic device until an additional switch activation or until a maximal or minimal charge level is achieved.

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: A device and method for forming a composite from a pair of parts via suspension lamination is disclosed. The device bonds members with opposed mating surfaces and has a base and a vertical column mounted on the base. The vertical column supports a vertical cylinder. A vertically adjustable head assembly for holding an upper part is located at the lower end of the vertical cylinder and is operatively connected to a drive motor at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. A vacuum generator generates a negative pressure to hold the upper part on the head assembly. A nest member is located below and coaxially with the head assembly for supporting a lower part. The upper and lower parts are optionally laterally aligned via an alignment means and a curing medium is provided to the aligned parts to cure an adhesive composition which is spread over the opposed mating surfaces of the parts to form a composite of the parts. Curing occurs while the lower part is suspended from the upper part via surface tension.