Patents by Inventor Neil Robin Branda
Neil Robin Branda has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10185199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Glen Ramsay Bremner, Jeremy Graham Finden, Corbin Abe Giesbrecht, Duhane Lam, Matt Andrew Pilapil, Matthew Paul Smit
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Publication number: 20190018295Abstract: A switching material comprising one or more than one polymers and an electrolyte comprising a salt and a solvent portion comprising one or more solvents; and one or more compounds having electrochromic and photochromic properties dispersed homogeneously through the switching material; and wherein the switching material is transitionable from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV light and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Neil Robin BRANDA, Glen Ramsay BREMNER, Jeremy Graham FINDEN, Simon James GAUTHIER, Bronwyn Hilary GILLON, Andrew KOUTSANDREAS, Veronica Elizabeth MARSHMAN, Matt Andrew PILAPIL, Jonathan Ross SARGENT, James Daniel SENIOR, Karthik Vikram Siva SHANMUGAM
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Publication number: 20180339995Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 10139695Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
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Patent number: 10072023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10054835Abstract: A switching material comprising one or more than one polymers and an electrolyte comprising a salt and a solvent portion comprising one or more solvents; and one or more compounds having electrochromic and photochromic properties dispersed homogeneously through the switching material; and wherein the switching material is transitionable from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV light and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Glen Ramsay Bremner, Jeremy Graham Finden, Simon James Gauthier, Bronwyn Hilary Gillon, Andrew Koutsandreas, Veronica Elizabeth Marshman, Matt Andrew Pilapil, Jonathan Ross Sargent, James Daniel Senior, Karthik Vikram Siva Shanmugam
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Publication number: 20180224677Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180210240Abstract: 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 sourceType: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Neil Robin BRANDA, Jeremy Graham FINDEN, Duhane LAM, Jonathan Ross SARGENT, Cynthia Elizabeth SHIPPAM, Douglas Malcolm WIGGIN
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Patent number: 9921421Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9910301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Jeremy Graham Finden, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Cynthia Elizabeth Shippam, Douglas Malcolm Wiggin
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Publication number: 20170355901Abstract: A composition comprising a diarylethene photochromic anodic species, a cathodic species and an electrolyte that comprises a supporting electrolyte and a solvent. Electrochromic devices such as optical filters are prepared from such compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Glen Ramsay Bremner, Jeremy Graham Finden, Matt Andrew Pilapil, Matthew Neal Roberts, Jonathan Ross Sargent, James Daniel Senior, Veronica Elizabeth Patricia Marshman
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Publication number: 20170205682Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Neil Robin BRANDA, Glen Ramsay BREMNER, Jeremy Graham FINDEN, Corbin Abe GIESBRECHT, Duhane LAM, Matt Andrew PILAPIL, Matthew Paul SMIT
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Publication number: 20170192257Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20170108753Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Duhane LAM, Neil Robin BRANDA
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Patent number: 9594285Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Neil Robin Branda, Glen Ramsay Bremner, Jeremy Graham Finden, Corbin Abe Giesbrecht, Duhane Lam, Matt Andrew Pilapil, Matthew Paul Smit
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Patent number: 9588358Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9568799Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda
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Publication number: 20160083398Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Neil Robin BRANDA, Jeremy Graham FINDEN, Simon James GAUTHIER, Ali HAYEK, Kyle Andrew HOPE-ROSS, James Daniel SENIOR, Andreea SPANTULESCU, Serguei SVIRIDOV
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Publication number: 20160085131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Duhane LAM, Neil Robin BRANDA, Matthew Paul SMIT, Peter Alexander VON HAHN
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Publication number: 20160070150Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Duhane LAM, Neil Robin BRANDA