Patents Assigned to Switch Materials Inc.
  • Publication number: 20180101080
    Abstract: The disclosure provides, in part a seal system for sealing a film. The disclosure further provides, in part, a sealed film comprising a first and a second substrate; a first and a second electrode disposed on the surface of at least one of the substrates; a switching material disposed between the first and second substrates; a first seal and a second seal; the first seal disposed along an edge of the switching material, separating the switching material from the second seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon James Gauthier, Andrew Koutsandreas, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Patent number: 9921421
    Abstract: A optical filter comprising a variable transmittance layer having a first spectrum in a dark state, and a second spectrum in a faded state; and a color balancing layer having a third spectrum; each of the first, second and third spectra comprising a visible portion; the first and third spectra combining to provide a dark state spectrum approximating a dark state target color; and the second and third spectra combining to provide a fades state spectrum approximating a faded state target color. The optical filter may further comprise a light attenuating layer. The optical filter may further comprise part of a laminated glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Zachary Bryce Erno, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Charles Joseph Gongming Loo, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn, Douglas Malcolm Wiggin
  • Patent number: 9910301
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switchable optical filter comprising a layer of switchable material, the switchable material comprising a photochromic/thermochromic, a photochromic/photochromic, or a photochromic/electrochromic compound; a first light source providing light of a wavelength that causes the switchable material to transition from a faded state to a dark state, or a dark state to a faded state; and a switch for controlling activation of the first light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Cynthia Elizabeth Shippam, Douglas Malcolm Wiggin
  • Patent number: 9864252
    Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil R. Branda
  • Patent number: 9810963
    Abstract: The disclosure provides, in part a seal system for sealing a film. The disclosure further provides, in part, a sealed film comprising a first and a second substrate; a first and a second electrode disposed on the surface of at least one of the substrates; a switching material disposed between the first and second substrates; a first seal and a second seal; the first seal disposed along an edge of the switching material, separating the switching material from the second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon James Gauthier, Andrew Koutsandreas, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Patent number: 9594285
    Abstract: A control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly includes a controller in communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals, and a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon statements and instructions executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to perform any one or more of: allowing the optical filter assembly to transition to a dark state by shorting the load terminals together, maintaining the optical filter assembly in a hold mode by applying a pulse width modulated voltage signal across the load terminals, and transitioning the optical filter assembly between operative states by applying a voltage signal having voltage pulses of opposite polarities to the load terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Glen Ramsay Bremner, Jeremy Graham Finden, Corbin Abe Giesbrecht, Duhane Lam, Matt Andrew Pilapil, Matthew Paul Smit
  • Patent number: 9588358
    Abstract: An optical filter comprising a variable transmittance layer having a first spectrum in a dark state, and a second spectrum in a faded state; and a color balancing layer having a third spectrum; each of the first, second and third spectra comprising a visible portion; the first and third spectra combining to provide a dark state spectrum approximating a dark state target color, and the second and third spectra combining to provide a faded state spectrum approximating a faded state target color. The optical filter may further comprise a light attenuating layer. The optical filter may further comprise part of a laminated glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Zachary Bryce Erno, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Charles Joseph Gongming Loo, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn, Douglas Malcolm Wiggin
  • Patent number: 9568799
    Abstract: A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda
  • Publication number: 20170031226
    Abstract: A simplified switchable object and methods of making same are provided. The methods may include steps of applying a switchable material on a first surface of a first substrate, the switchable material having a thickness and a shape; applying a barrier material on the first substrate, circumferential to the switchable material; and applying a second substrate over top of, and in contact with, the switchable material and the barrier material, the first substrate, second substrate and barrier material defining a closed chamber encapsulating the switchable material. The methods may further include a step of applying a seal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS INC.
    Inventors: Simon James GAUTHIER, Duhane LAM, Jonathan Ross SARGENT, James Daniel SENIOR, Cynthia Elizabeth SHIPPAM, Peter Alexander VON HAHN
  • Publication number: 20160033841
    Abstract: The disclosure provides, in part a seal system for sealing a film. The disclosure further provides, in part, a sealed film comprising a first and a second substrate; a first and a second electrode disposed on the surface of at least one of the substrates; a switching material disposed between the first and second substrates; a first seal and a second seal; the first seal disposed along an edge of the switching material, separating the switching material from the second seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon James Gauthier, Andrew Koutsandreas, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Patent number: 9235099
    Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil R. Branda
  • Patent number: 9227986
    Abstract: A compound according to Formula IA and IB, reversibly convertible under photochromic and electrochromic conditions between a ring-open isomer A and a ring-closed isomer B is provided. For substitutent groups, Z is N, O or S; each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, or halo; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, a polymer backbone, alkyl or aryl; or, when both R2 together form —CH?CH— and form part of a polymer backbone; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl; each R4 is aryl; and each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Jeremy Graham Finden, Simon James Gauthier, Ali Hayek, Kyle Andrew Hope-Ross, James Daniel Senior, Andreea Spantulescu, Serguei Sviridov
  • Patent number: 9176357
    Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Publication number: 20150109651
    Abstract: A optical filter comprising a variable transmittance layer having a first spectrum in a dark state, and a second spectrum in a faded state; and a color balancing layer having a third spectrum; each of the first, second and third spectra comprising a visible portion; the first and third spectra combining to provide a dark state spectrum approximating a dark state target color; and the second and third spectra combining to provide a fades state spectrum approximating a faded state target colour. The optical filter may further comprise a light attenuating layer. The optical filter may further comprise part of a laminated glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Switch Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Zachary Bryce Erno, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Charles Joseph Gongming Loo, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn, Douglas Malcolm Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20150036204
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switchable optical filter comprising a layer of switchable material, the switchable material comprising a photochromic/thermochromic, a photochromic/photochromic, or a photochromic/electrochromic compound; a first light source providing light of a wavelength that causes the switchable material to transition from a faded state to a dark state, or a dark state to a faded state; and a switch for controlling activation of the first light source
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Cynthia Elizabeth Shippam, Douglas Malcolm Wiggin
  • Patent number: 8837032
    Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil R. Branda, Andreea Spantulescu
  • Publication number: 20140256936
    Abstract: A compound according to Formula IA and IB, reversibly convertible under photochromic and electrochromic conditions between a ring-open isomer A and a ring-closed isomer B is provided. For substitutent groups, Z is N, O or S; each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, or halo; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, a polymer backbone, alkyl or aryl; or, when both R2 together form —CH?CH— and form part of a polymer backbone; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl; each R4 is aryl; and each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Jeremy Graham Finden, Simon James Gauthier, Ali Hayek, Kyle Andrew Hope-Ross, James Daniel Senior, Andreea Spantulescu, Serguei Sviridov
  • Patent number: 8687258
    Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil R. Branda, Andreea Spantulescu, Jeremy Graham Finden, Ali Hayek, Kyle Andrew Hope-Ross, Serguei Sviridov
  • Publication number: 20130278989
    Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Publication number: 20130271811
    Abstract: A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda