Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second substrate in spaced-apart relationship to the first substrate and having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon application of an electric field thereto. The electrochromic element further comprises a transparent electrode layer covering at least a portion of at least a select one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, wherein the transparent electrode layer comprises an insulator/metal/insulator stack.

Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second substrate in spaced-apart relationship to the first substrate and having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon application of an electric field thereto. The electrochromic element further comprises a transparent electrode layer covering at least a portion of at least a select one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, wherein the transparent electrode layer comprises an insulator/metal/insulator stack.

Abstract: Improved electro-optic devices are provided which may be in the configuration of variable transmittance windows, variable transmittance eyeglasses, variable transmittance light filters and displays and other devices wherein the transmittance of light therethrough automatically varies as a function of light impinging thereon. The electro-optic devices include a self-erasing electro-optic medium, and the transmittance of light through such medium varies as a function of electrical signals applied thereto through the agency of at least one photovoltaic cell, enclosed within the electro-optic device, and obviating the necessity of providing external drive voltage or external bleeder resistors or external wiring. In addition, a method and apparatus are provided for making such electro-optic devices.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror is disclosed for use in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, at least one solution-phase electrochromic material contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlying the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a coating of electrically conductive material that is at least partially transmissive and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed that includes a signal light mounted behind the electrochromic mirror. The electrochromic mirror has a signal light area formed in its reflective coating by removing a portion of the reflective coating and aligning the signal light with this signal light area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The signal light area may be formed in the reflective coating of the electrochromic mirror regardless of whether the reflective coating is applied to the rear or front surface of the rear element of the electrochromic mirror. If the reflective coating is applied to the front surface of the rear element (i.e., the third surface), the reflective material used is also electrically conductive so as to function as one of the electrodes for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: An electro-optic window is provided which is powered solely by at least one discrete photovoltaic cell within an electro-optic window. The electro-optic window has front and back spaced-apart glass elements sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship and defining a chamber filled with an electro-optic material. The front glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face of the front glass element confronting the rear glass element and the rear glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face confronting the front glass element. The seal is generally disposed along the perimeter of three edges of both glass elements and some distance in from the remaining (fourth) edge. The photovoltaic assembly is electrically connected to the two transparent conductive layers and is placed on the outer perimeter along this fourth edge with the photon-absorbing side of all the photovoltaic cells within the photovoltaic assembly facing in one direction ("out" the window).

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an information display area by removing a portion of a reflective and conductive layer on the inside (third) surface of the back glass element of a dimming portion of the rearview mirror and aligning a display device with this information display area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The remaining lines of reflective material are in electrical contact with the remaining reflective and conductive layer on the third surface. The reflective layer 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 where the outer coating is a highly reflecting material. The other electrode on the inside (second) surface of the front glass is a transparent electrode which also contacts the electrochromic media inside the mirror element.