Modification Caused By Energy Other Than Light Patents (Class 252/583)
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Patent number: 6141137Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Harlan J. Byker, Thomas F. Guarr, Derick D. Winkle
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Patent number: 6136233Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based assay for the quantitation of classical clinical chemistry analytes, where glucose, ethanol, carbon dioxide, cholesterol, as H.sub.2 O.sub.2 liberating systems coupled to a tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ luminophore generate an ECL signal, which can be detected spectrophotometrically or electrochemically. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 present reacts with oxalate in the presence of Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ to give an ECL response.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: IGEN International, Inc.Inventors: Fabian Jameison, Jonathan K. Leland
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Patent number: 6137620Abstract: Increased stability of electrochromic devices containing an electrochromic medium having two or more electroactive compounds is accomplished by establishing current limiting concentrations of electroactive compounds with the larger redox potential difference. A process for production of electrochromic devices uses targeted concentrations of electroactive materials during preparation of the electrochromic medium which results in substantially no devices being produced wherein the current is limited by an electroactive compound having a low redox potential difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson
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Patent number: 6126868Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising a polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative (e.g. a hydroxyalkylcellulose), an electrolyte (e.g. a water-soluble inorganic salt), and an aqueous medium and having a clouding point is hermetically interposed between a pair of electrodes to produced a light shielding device. The clouding point of the aqueous composition can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative and/or the species and concentration of the electrolyte. An electric field is applied to the electrodes to control the clouding point of the aqueous composition for selective switching from transparency to opacity or vice versa, thus causing the light shielding device to discharge its light-shielding or dimming function. The light-shielding or dimming effect is obtained regardless of changes in ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nishio
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Patent number: 6099760Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based assay for the quantitation of classical clinical chemistry analytes, where glucose, ethanol, carbon dioxide, cholesterol, as H.sub.2 O.sub.2 liberating systems coupled to a tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ luminophore generate an ECL signal, which can be detected spectrophotometrically or electrochemically. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 present reacts with oxalate in the presence of Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ to give an ECL response.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: IGEN, Inc.Inventors: Fabian Jameison, Jonathan K. Leland
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Patent number: 6084702Abstract: The invention is an energy efficient, thermochromic device for windows that allows sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when the ambient temperature is low and substantially blocks solar radiation when the ambient temperature is high, especially when sunlight is directly on the window. Additionally, the invention is a thermochromic device useful as variable transmission shutters for use in lenses or filters.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Pleotint, L.L.C.Inventors: Harlan J. Byker, Paul H. Ogburn
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Patent number: 6067185Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey
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Patent number: 6067186Abstract: A new class of high hyperpolarizability organic chromophores and a process for synthesizing the same. The chromophores incorporate at least one organic substituent and are formed in consideration of molecular shapes and a spatial anisotropy of intermolecular interactions. The chromophores are processed into hardened material lattices to lock-in poling induced electric-optic activity. Preferred organic substituents are alkyl, aryl, and isophorone groups. A composite including the organic chromophore, in a preferred embodiment, includes a polymer such as a poly(methylmethacrylate), polyimide, polyamic acid, polystyrene, polycarbonate or polyurethane. The optimized chromophores result in hardened electro-optic polymers suitable for electro-optic modulators and other devices such as optical switches. These modulators can be configured to work at high frequencies and in arrays for applications in communications and network connections.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Pacific Wave Industries, Inc.Inventors: Larry R. Dalton, Harold R. Fetterman, Fang Wang, William Steier, Aaron W. Harper, Albert S. Ren, Joseph Michael
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Patent number: 6066272Abstract: Optical glasses and polymers are described that incorporate homogeneously dispersed fullerene molecules. The resultant materials may be used as optical filters, the cut-off frequency being easily adjustable by changing the fullerene content. To prepare glasses fullerene molecules are firstly functionalized by amination prior to being incorporated into a sol-gel process to prepare the glass. To prepare polymers a pre-existing polymer may be subject to fullerenation, or fullerene may be copolymerized with a selected monomer.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science & TechnologyInventors: Ben-zhong Tang, Nai-teng Yu, Han Peng, Shuk-mei Leung, Xuan-zheng Wu
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Patent number: 6045724Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof. The specification also discloses vacuum backfilling techniques for filling electrochemichromic cells and enhanced UV stability through solvent self-screening.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Hamid R. Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Padma Desaraju
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Patent number: 6030554Abstract: A method of sterilizing an intraocular lens formed of a cross-linked polymer, wherein the intraocular lens is accommodated in a sealed container which permits transmission of an electron beam therethrough but inhibits entry of microorganisms thereinto, and the intraocular lens is irradiated with the electron beam, for sterilization of the intraocular lens accommodated in the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masuji Ichihara
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Patent number: 6001284Abstract: An organic EL device which is excellent in stability in the repetitive operation and has a high light emission brightness can be obtained from a gallium complex of the general formula (1), ##STR1## wherein each of Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2 is independently a ligand of the general formula (2); and L is a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring group, --OR.sup.1 in which R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring group, or --O--Ga--Q.sup.3 (Q.sup.4) in which Q.sup.3 and Q.sup.4 have the same meanings as those of Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2, ##STR2## wherein A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are substituted or unsubstituted six-membered aryl rings which are mutually fused to form a fused ring moiety.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Enokida, Michiko Tamano, Satoshi Okutsu
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Patent number: 5997776Abstract: A coloring layer composition for a chromatic device of the present invention contains an oxide such as tungsten oxide or niobium oxide and so on as a solute, water and an organic solvent such as propanol. In the step of forming a reduction coloring layer, a film is formed by using a peroxotungstic acid solution containing 100 parts by weight of WO.sub.3.aNb.sub.2 O.sub.5.bH.sub.2 O.sub.2.cH.sub.2 O (wherein a, b and c are each a positive number) as a solute, 20 to 120 parts by weight of water and 80 to 800 parts by weight of n-propanol as an organic solvent. At this time, a dip coating method is used, and the vertical pulling-up speed is less than 15 cm/min. The present invention can effectively prevent unevenness and separation of the reduction coloring layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidishokki SeisakushoInventors: Toshiki Inoue, Yoshifumi Kato, Hisashi Shiraki, Takanori Murasaki
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Patent number: 5995273Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided having an electrochromic conducting polymer layer in contact with a flexible outer layer. A conductive reflective layer is disposed between the electrochromic conducting polymer and a substrate layer. A liquid or solid electrolyte contacts the conductive reflective layer and a counter electrode in the device. A liquid electrolyte may comprise, for example, a mixture of sulfuric acid, poly(vinyl sulfate), and poly(anethosulfonate). A solid electrolyte may comprise, for example, a mixture of sulfuric acid, poly(vinyl sulfate), poly(anethosulfonate), and poly(vinyl alcohol).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Ashwin-Ushas CorporationInventor: Prasanna Chandrasekhar
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Patent number: 5985184Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic solutions and devices manufactured therefrom. More precisely, the invention relates to electrochemichromic solutions, and those devices manufactured with the same, that demonstrate superior responsiveness to those solutions known heretofore when an applied potential is introduced thereto. That is, the responsiveness observed in terms of solution coloring is of a greater rapidity, intensity and uniformity than those electrochemichromic solutions of the prior art. Preparation of these solutions involve the novel process of pre-treating at least one of the electrochemichromic compounds with a redox agent prior to placing it in contact with the other electrochemichromic compound. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of preparing such novel solutions and processes for using these solutions to provide devices that exhibit and benefit from the aforementioned superior characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 5977201Abstract: Polymer systems having reversibly temperature-dependent radiation transmission which are crosslinked with radiation induction, a process for their production, and their use for reversibly temperature-dependent control of the radiation transmission of glazing systems and solar-energy devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ekkehard Jahns, Hubertus Kroner, Wolfgang Schrof, Utz Klodwig
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Patent number: 5972247Abstract: An organic EL device including an anode, a cathode, and an organic electroluminescent element between the anode and the cathode; the organic electroluminescent element includes an organic material or a mixture thereof of 9,10-bis(3'5'-diaryl)phenyl anthracene derivatives.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Jianmin Shi, Chin H. Chen, Kevin P. Klubek
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Patent number: 5961891Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a coloring layer composition for a chromatic device comprising a step of preparing a peroxotungstic acid solution comprising a solute including WO.sub.3 .circle-solid.aNb.sub.2 O.sub.5 .circle-solid.bH.sub.2 O.sub.2 .circle-solid.cH.sub.2 O (a, b, and c represent a positive number), water for dispersing and holding the solute, and an organic solvent compatible with water, and aging the peroxotungstic acid solution to obtain a polymer. According to the method of the present invention, a large size chromatic device can be reliably produced at a low cost. Further, a composition having a sufficient coloring effect and a quick response speed of the coloration-bleaching change in the chromatic device can be prepared.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Takanori Murasaki, Takashi Komori, Toshiki Inoue, Yoshifumi Kato
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Patent number: 5959960Abstract: A method of coating an optical recording layer on a transparent grooved substrate is disclosed. The recording layer is coated from a mixture of a primary and a secondary solvent. The solvent mixture provides a wide range of conformalities for optical recording layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Susan Starr Collier, Michael Paul Cunningham, Csaba Andras Kovacs
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Patent number: 5948321Abstract: Methods for preparing homogeneous magnetic fluid compositions capable of forming ordered one dimensional structures or two dimensional lattices in response to externally applied magnetic fields are disclosed. The compositions are prepared using improved co-precipitation methods in which the steps of the procedure have been tuned to reduce sample heterogeneity. Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 particles are coated with a surfactant and dispersed in a continuous carrier phase to form a homogeneous magnetic fluid composition. The ability of the composition to generate ordered structures can be tested by holding a magnet near a thin film of the compositions and observing the formation of colors in the region near the magnet. Methods for controlling the characteristic spacing of the ordered structures formed by the composition are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventors: Chin-Yih Rex Hong, Herng-Er Horng, Hong-Chang Yang, Wai Bong Yeung
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Patent number: 5948322Abstract: An MOCVD precursor composition useful for MOCVD formation of a non-linear optically active metal borate thin film, comprising: (I) an organometallic source reagent for a metal reactively forming a non-linear optically active metal borate, and (II) an organoborate compound of the formula: B(OR).sub.3, wherein each R is independently selected from H, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, fluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl, fluoroaralkyl, fluoroalkaryl, trialkylsilyl, and C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 carbocylic groups, as the aforementioned borate source reagent. Such composition may be employed for forming a non-linear optically active metal borate thin film on a substrate, via depositing by CVD on said substrate a metal from the organometallic source reagent and a borate from the organoborate compound, to react the metal with the borate and yield the non-linear optically active metal borate on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Baum, Gregory Stauf, Daniel B. Studebaker, Brian A. Vaartstra
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Patent number: 5928572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 5919404Abstract: A reversible thermochromic composition comprising as essential components (a) an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, (b) at least one electron-accepting compound selected from alkoxyphenol compounds represented by Formula I: ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group; and (c) a compound serving as a reaction medium capable of reversibly causing electron-donating/accepting reaction attributable to the components (a) and (b). This composition has a reversible metachromatic function that it presents a color-developed state when heated in a color-extinguished state and presents the color-extinguished state when temperature-dropped or cooled in the color-developed state, or that it begins to develop a color in the course of temperature drop after heating, having been triggered by its temperature rise when heated in a color-extinguished state, and returns to the color-extinguished state after it has presented a color-developed state in a maximum developed-color density.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuyuki Fujita, Yoshiaki Ono
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Patent number: 5892476Abstract: A strong lightweight composition containing inorganic coated microparticles which, when dispersed in a binder, produce a matrix having broad band absorption properties for electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and microwave regions and is useful as a thin coating or as a structural composite material in various applications for multispectral absorbers. The microparticles have a mean diameter of from 1 to 500 microns and are coated with the reaction product of a metal and a nonmetal.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Spectro Dynamics Systems, L.P.Inventors: Wayne Laval Gindrup, Rebecca Reeves Vinson, Christopher Richard Sutter
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Patent number: 5888431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 5885498Abstract: The present invention is to provide a organic light emitting device with high efficiency and long life of emitting light. The light emitting device comprises a positive electrode, a hole transporting layer, an electron transporting layer and a negative electrode on a substrate, the hole transporting layer if formed of triphenylamine tetramer as the major component, and 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene or 9,10-diphenylanthracene is added in a amount of 0.1-10% in the hole transporting layer. The hole transporting layer acts as a light emitting layer and suppressing reduction of luminance of the light and prevent the black spots from occurring and expanding so as to extend the life time. Furthermore, in the present invention, the transparent positive electrode is composed from two-layer structure comprising a hole injecting layer and a current distributing layer, this restricting occurrence of the black spots and reduction of the luminance due to the positive electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikiko Matsuo, Ritsuo Inaba
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Patent number: 5853905Abstract: An electroluminescent device is composed of a body of small molecule organic material(s) sandwiched between a first and a second electrode, wherein a layer of first insulative material is placed between the body of small molecule organic material(s) and the first electrode, and an optional layer of second insulative material is placed between the body of small molecule organic material(s) and the second electrode. The layer of first insulative material has a thickness which allows first carriers from the first electrode to tunnel therethrough and the second insulative material has a thickness which allows second carriers from the second electrode to tunnel therethrough. Further, the layer of first insulative material provides a barrier to the second carriers and the layer of second insulative material provides a barrier to the first carriers.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Franky So, Chan-Long Shieh, Hsing-Chung Lee, Song Q. Shi
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Patent number: 5851439Abstract: A coloring layer composition for a chromatic device of the present invention contains an oxide such as tungsten oxide or niobium oxide and so on as a solute, water and an organic solvent such as propanol. In the step of forming a reduction coloring layer, a film is formed by using a peroxotungstic acid solution containing 100 parts by weight of WO.sub.3.aNb.sub.2 O.sub.5.bH.sub.2 O.sub.2 .andgate.cH.sub.2 O (wherein a, b and c are each a positive number) as a solute, 20 to 120 parts by weight of water and 80 to 800 parts by weight of n-propanol as an organic solvent. At this time, a dip coating method is used, and the vertical pulling-up speed is less than 15 cm/min. The present invention can effectively prevent unevenness and separation of the reduction coloring layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Toshiki Inoue, Yoshifumi Kato, Hisashi Shiraki, Takanori Murasaki
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Patent number: 5840217Abstract: Use of spiro compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## where K.sup.1 and K.sup.2 are, independently of one another, conjugated systems, in electroluminescence devices.Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are 9,9'-spirobifluorene derivatives of the formula (II) ##STR2## where the benzo groups can be substituted independently of one another. Compounds of the formula (I) have a good solubility in customary organic solvents, improved film-forming properties and a significantly reduced tendency to crystallize. The production of electroluminescence devices is thereby made easier and their service life is increased.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Donald Lupo, Josef Salbeck, Hermann Schenk, Thomas Stehlin, Roland Stern, Arno Wolf
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Patent number: 5837166Abstract: Organic electroluminescence devices having the life of light emission superior to those of conventional electroluminescence devices, and novel arylenediamine derivatives which can remarkably improve the life of light emission of an organic electroluminescence device when the derivatives are used as a component of the device, are disclosed.The organic electroluminescence devices of the present invention at least contain a p-phenylenediamine derivative having 6 or more benzene ring skeletons, or at least a 4,4'-biphenylenediamine derivative having 5 biphenyl groups.The arylenediamine derivatives of the present invention include p-phenylenediamine derivatives having 4 biphenyl groups and 4,4'-biphenylenediamine derivatives having 5 biphenyl groups.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisayuki Kawamura, Chishio Hosokawa, Tadashi Kusumoto, Hiroaki Nakamura
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Patent number: 5795729Abstract: An energy transfer fluorescent probe for detecting a reagent is provided which includes a fluorescent reporter molecule and a quencher molecule positioned on the probe relative to the reporter molecule such that the quencher molecule quenches the fluorescence of the reporter molecule when in a first state, the quencher molecule being converted by the reagent to a second state which has a reduced ability to quench the reporter molecule. Examples of conversions of the quencher molecule from a first state to a second state include reductions, oxidations, hydrolyses, phosphate cleavages, and the conversion of amides to amines. In one embodiment, the quencher molecule is a substrate for an enzyme which converts the quencher from a first state to a second state. For example, the enzyme may be an reductase, an oxidase, hydrolytic, a peptidase or a phosphorylase. The probe is used to fluorescently detect a reagent in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Biometric Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Linda G. Lee
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Patent number: 5770114Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions, which comprise an aprotic polar solvent, at least one electrochromic compound, and a compound of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is, for example, tert-butyl, and R.sub.2 is, for example, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COO--R.sub.7 --, where R.sub.7 is n-butyl or n-pentyl. Among embodiments of the invention are compositions used as media of variable transmittance in electrochromic devices, especially single-compartment, self-erasing, solution-phase electrochromic devices. The compounds of Formula I have increased solubility in aprotic polar solvents used in electrochromic devices and are effective in stabilizing compositions, which comprise at least one electrochromic compound and are useful as media of variable transmittance in electrochromic devices, against degradation due to exposure to UV-radiation.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Harlan J. Byker, Ramanujan Srinivasa
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Patent number: 5730908Abstract: A description follows of photochromatic and thermochromatic compounds, belonging to the group of spiro-indoline-oxazines, and their application in polymeric materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1994Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Enichem Synthesis S.P.A.Inventors: Nereo Nodari, Pietro Allegrini, Luciana Crisci
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Patent number: 5725809Abstract: A variable transmission electrochromic architectural window includes spaced optically transparent elements confining an electrochromic medium including a solvent and a redox chemical pair in solution such that the redox chemical pair colors under the application of voltage and bleaches in the absence of the applied voltage. An ultraviolet stabilizer is included in solution for enhanced ultraviolet stability. The window has an electrochromically active large area of length dimension at least about 14 cm and a width dimension at least about 14 cm while exhibiting a steady state leakage current of less than about 2.68 amperes per square meter when a potential of one volt is applied such that coloration uniformity of the electrochromic architectural window is enhanced. Preferably, the electrochromic medium is based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Niall R. Lynam, Hamid R. Habibi, Padma Desaraju
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Patent number: 5721059Abstract: A temperature-dependent color/transparency storing resin layer is composed by dispersing and fixing a mutually dissolved homogeneous composition consisting of (A) an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, (B) a compound having a phenolic hydroxyl radical, and (C) a compound selected from alcohols, esters, ketones and carboxylic acids, in vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-copolymer matrix resin, as small particles, and capable of exhibiting reversible change in color and in transparency in response to a temperature variation with hysteresis, and selectively storing a state developed above the high trigger temperature and a state developed below the low trigger temperature in a temperature range between the high and low trigger temperatures, wherein the transparency is improved by blending vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer and/or vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer as an agent for improving the transparency in said matrix resin so as to regulate the transparency and to conspType: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Kito, Kuniyuki Senga, Hiroyuki Hayashi
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Patent number: 5714304Abstract: Organosilicon polymers, including crosslinked polymers and crosslinkable prepolymers, of cyclic polysiloxanes, organic dyes, and, optionally, polyenes. The dyes include those with delocalized Pi electron systems linking electron donor groups and electron acceptor groups, and with at least two carbon--carbon double bond-containing pendant groups attached to at least two different sites from among the indicated delocalized Pi electron systems, donor groups, and acceptor groups.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventors: Wayne M. Gibbons, Robert Paul Grasso, Michael Kevin O'Brien, Paul Joseph Shannon, Shao-Tang Sun
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Patent number: 5679283Abstract: The present invention provides 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David A. Theiste
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Patent number: 5663288Abstract: Articles matters which can be degraded and disappear in the natural environment are a degradable adhesive film which can be used for surface protection or indication after printing on the film surface and has an adhesive layer on one side of a substrate film obtained from a lactic acid base polymer such as polylactic acid and a lactic acid/hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer having a molecular weight of 30,000.about.500,000, and a degradable resin composition which is excellent in weatherability and comprises 100 parts by weight of a lactic acid base polymer and 0.001.about.5 parts by weight of one or more additives selected from ultraviolet absorbers and light stabilizers.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Hosei Shinoda, Masami Ohtaguro, Shigeru Iimuro, Akihiro Funae, Shinobu Moriya
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Patent number: 5614340Abstract: A bleachable composition, including an acid photogenerator and a near-infrared radiation-absorbing dye or pigment, is utilized in a method of migration imaging to prevent unwanted absorptions. This composition can be incorporated either in the thermoplastic imaging surface layer of the imaging element, in the marking particles applied to the element, or both. Alternatively, the components of the bleachable composition can be separated with one in the thermoplastic imaging surface layer and the other in the marking particles. After the imaging element is marked and exposed with near-infrared radiation, the bleachable composition caused exposed portions of the imaging element to be bleached. If further bleaching is needed, the element can subsequently be exposed with near-ultraviolet radiation. A migration imaging method, which does not employ the bleachable composition of the present invention, wherein marking particles are magnetically attracted to the imaging element, is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1993Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Douglas E. Bugner, William Mey, Dennis R. Kamp
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Patent number: 5611966Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic solutions and devices manufactured therefrom. More precisely, the invention relates to electrochemichromic solutions, and those devices manufactured with the same, that demonstrate superior responsiveness to those solutions known heretofore when an applied potential is introduced thereto. That is, the responsiveness observed in terms of solution coloring is of a greater rapidity, intensity and uniformity than those electrochemichromic solutions of the prior art. Preparation of these solutions involve the novel process of pre-treating at least one of the electrochemichromic compounds with a redox agent prior to placing it in contact with the other electrochemichromic compound. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of preparing such novel solutions and processes for using these solutions to provide devices that exhibit and benefit from the aforementioned superior characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Steven D. Looman, Mingtang Zhao, Hamid R. Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 5567360Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof. The specification also discloses vacuum backfilling techniques for filling electrochemichromic cells and enhanced UV stability through solvent self-screening.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Niall R. Lynam, Hamid R. Habibi, Padma Desaraju
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Patent number: 5565287Abstract: A bleachable composition, including an acid photogenerator and a near-infrared radiation-absorbing dye or pigment, is utilized in a method of migration imaging to prevent unwanted absorptions. This composition can be incorporated either in the thermoplastic imaging surface layer of the imaging element, in the marking particles applied to the element, or both. Alternatively, the components of the bleachable composition can be separated with one in the thermoplastic imaging surface layer and the other in the marking particles. After the imaging element is marked and exposed with near-infrared radiation, the bleachable composition causes exposed portions of the imaging element to be bleached. If further bleaching is needed, the element can subsequently be exposed with near-ultraviolet radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Douglas E. Bugner, William Mey, Dennis R. Kamp
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Patent number: 5558700Abstract: A reversible thermochromic composition develops fluorescent color of yellow, yellowish orange, orange, reddish orange, or red with a high color density and high color brightness, yet gives no residual color under non-color-developing conditions, and has remarkably improved light resistance. The reversible thermochromic composition, comprising a solubilized mixture of three components of (a) an electron-donating color-developing organic compound selected from pyridine types, quinazoline types, and bisquinazoline types of compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound for the electron-donating color-developing organic compound, and (c) a compound serving as a reaction medium for causing reversibly an electron exchange reaction between the components (a) and (b) within a specified temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Shibahashi, Jun Sugai
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Patent number: 5525264Abstract: An electrochromic coating is produced by adding an organic moiety to a solution of an electrochromic precursor, said organic moiety having a decomposition temperature greater than, or a vapor pressure sufficiently low at, the temperature at which solution solvent is removed, such that said organic moiety remains integral with the electrochromic precursor coating on said substrate after said solvent evaporates, and said organic moiety having a decomposition temperature lower than, or a vapor pressure sufficiently high at, the temperature at which said electrochromic precursor coating is converted to an electrochromic coating that said moiety is substantially removed from said coating before or during said conversion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John P. Cronin, Anoop Agrawal, Daniel J. Tarico, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
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Patent number: 5523757Abstract: An electronic attenuation and camouflage device comprising a novel cooling device comprised of microspheres; an additional set of microspheres containing radar attenuating materials <RAM> capable of absorbing certain frequencies; and an additional set of microspheres containing electro-reactive substances enabling color change of a structure to match background, all comprising structures or being placed in a matrix; a structure; a machined part; a coating; or a series of matrices, structures, parts or coatings, which combined structures enable concealment of an object.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1993Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventor: Joseph A. Resnick
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Patent number: 5516462Abstract: Electrochromic systems providing enhanced cycle lifetime. The increase in cycle lifetime is a product of one or more of the following: novel or known asymmetric viologen compounds, mixed electrolyte systems, and mixed solvent systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Melvin H. Miles, Ronald A. Henry, Dwight A. Fine
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Patent number: 5490956Abstract: There are provided a thermochromic opaque composition capable of exhibiting change in transparency together with change in color in response to temperature variation, a laminate member employing the same, and a three-dimensional article capable of concealing and revealing the interior, utilizing the laminate member. The thermochromic oaque composition is formed by dispersing a thermochromic material, capable of developing and erasing color by an electron donating-accepting reaction, in small particles in vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate matrix resin. The above-mentioned structure realizes reversible change in transparency, together with change in color, in response to temperature variation, with hysteresis with a temperature difference of 10.degree. C. at minimum to 50.degree. C. between the high and low trigger temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1993Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Kito, Kuniyuki Senga, Hiroyuki Hayashi
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Patent number: 5480482Abstract: A color changing pigment composition which changes color reversibly when ted comprising (a) a cyclic aryl lactone dye, (b) a diaminoalkane activator and (c)an ester. The pigment composition can also include a white pigment such as titanium dioxide as an opacifier or a yellow dye such Hansa yellow G. The pigment composition changes from a dark color, e.g. blue, to white when the composition is heated to a specified temperature, e.g. to a temperature of 52.degree. C., and reversibly changes from white back to the blue color when the pigment composition is cooled, e.g. to a temperature below about 25.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1993Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas Novinson
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Patent number: 5472643Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3,'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof. The specification also discloses vacuum backfilling techniques for filling electrochemichromic cells and enhanced UV stability through solvent self-screening.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Niall R. Lynam, Hamid R. Habibi, Padma Desaraju
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Patent number: 5463492Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light modulating unit of a light valve comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix, and a light valve comprising such a film.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Research Frontiers IncorporatedInventor: Joseph A. Check, III