Abstract: A photochromic composition and a coating composition comprising a molecular compound of a chromene compound and an aromatic compound. The photochromic composition provides a photochromic optical material as a cured product and the coating composition is applied to a lens substrate and cured to provide a photochromic optical material. The above molecular compound is also provided.

Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising: at least one solvent; an anodic electroactive material; a cathodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and a current-reducing additive, wherein the current-reducing additive comprises a polymer present in an effective concentration to materially reduce the current of the electrochromic medium upon application of an electrical potential, relative to an electrochromic medium without the current-reducing additive, while maintaining an electrochromic medium viscosity which facilitates acceptable production rates without a problematic degree of seal or other device component failure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermochromic temperature sensitive composition used to detect the prevailing temperature, and particularly, to detect when the temperature is within a particular range. When the temperature is within that range, the composition undergoes a color change that is visible to the observer.

Abstract: Described are imbibition compositions that incorporate kinetic enhancing additive(s) into photochromic polymeric host material. Kinetic enhancing additives include organic polyol(s), epoxy-containing compound(s) or a mixture thereof that improves the performance of organic photochromic compounds in the polymeric host as determined in the Photochromic Performance Test. Also described is a process for incorporating kinetic enhancing additives into polymeric substrates prior to, after and/or with organic photochromic compounds and the resulting photochromic articles produced by such a process.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrochromic fluids based on electrochromic systems containing at least one oxidizable substance RED1 and at least one reducible substance OX2 linked covalently by a bridge that are suitable for use in electrochromic devices.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of an electrochromic system using a nanoporus-nanocrystalline film comprising a semiconducting metallic oxide having a redox chromophore adsorbed thereto.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymeric article including a polymeric material capable of exhibiting electrical conductivity; the polymeric material being rendered electrically conductive by treatment with a viologen salt.

Abstract: Diffractive pigment flakes include single layer or multiple layer flakes that have a diffractive structure formed on a surface thereof. The multiple layer flakes can have a symmetrical stacked coating structure on opposing sides of a reflective core layer, or can be formed with encapsulating coatings around the reflective core layer. The diffractive pigment flakes can be interspersed into liquid media such as paints or inks to produce diffractive compositions for subsequent application to a variety of objects. The diffractive pigment flakes can be formed with a variety of diffractive structures thereon to produce selected optical effects.

Abstract: A chromene compound typically represented by the following formula, 1

Abstract: Described are novel reversible photochromic indenonaphthopyran compounds, examples of which are 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans characterized by having a substituted or unsubstituted indeno group fused at the 2,3 positions of the group to the 1 side of the 2H-naphthopyran. The compounds also have substituents at the 3 position of the pyran ring. Substituents may also be present at the number 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 carbon atoms of the compounds. These compounds may be represented by the following graphic formulae: Also described are various substrates, e.g., paper, glass, organic polymeric materials, etc., that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Optically clear articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel indenonaphthopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., indenonaphthopyrans, naphthopyrans, benzopyrans, oxazine-type compounds, etc., are also described.

Abstract: An electrochromic or photoelectrochromic device possessing the property of changing color under the effect of an electric voltage and/or of a variation in the intensity of a light radiation, this device comprising at least one cathode and one anode, at least one of these electrodes being constituted at least in part of a transparent or translucent substrate bearing an electrically conductive coating, and an electrolyte arranged between these electrodes, and an electric circuit connecting said cathode and anode, characterized in that at least one of these electrodes carries a coating constituted of at least one nanocrystalline layer of at least one semiconductive material, having a roughness factor equal to at least 20, and a monolayer of electrically active molecules or of an electrically active polymer, said monolayer being absorbed on the surface of this coating, and in that the device contains at least one auxiliary electrically active compound, possibly dissolved in the electrolyte, having the property of

Abstract: An electrochemically-activated optical switch is provided, comprising a molecular system configured between a pair of electrodes. The molecular system includes a moiety that is oxidizable or reducible in the presence of an electric current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the naphthopyran type with a fused heterocycle in the 5,6-position. These compounds have formula (I) or (II) given below: These compounds (I) or (II) have valuable photochromic properties. The invention further relates to their preparation, to their applications as photochromic substances, and to the (co)polymer compositions and matrices containing them.

Abstract: A chromene compound which develops yellow to red color, a high color density and a little initial color and which, when used in combination with an existing photochromic compound that exhibits blue color so as to develop a neutral tint, maintains uniformity in the color tone at the time of developing color or fading color, or exhibits a very large color fading rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochronic element including the following elements: an electrode (E1), an electrochromic functional layer (FS), an ion-conducting electrolyte (EY) a layer with high electrical charge capacity (SK), a counter-electrode (E2), the electrochromic functional layer (FS) being a nanoporous doped semiconductor layer having structure sizes smaller than 50 nm.

Abstract: A photochromic cured product exhibiting excellent photochromic properties such as a high color density and a high fading rate, as well as excellent base material properties such as a high hardness and a large heat resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific photochromic h-annellated benzo[f]chromene derivatives and their use in synthetic resins of all types, especially for ophthalmic applications. In particular, the present invention relates to photochromic compounds derived from benzo[f]chromenes, which in the open form have especially long-wave absorption maxima making it possible to obtain violet to blue tints when used in phototropic glasses.

Abstract: Photochromic pyran compounds and their use in synthetic resin objects of all types, especially for ophthalmic applications, particularly spiro compounds having a fluorene structure derived from naphthopyrans, which are known as spirofluorenopyrans. By introducing respectively only one strongly electron donating or withdrawing group at specific positions in the periphery of the pyran dye, photochromic compounds obtained which in the excited state are distinguished by an expanded color spectrum, while simulataneously offering comparably good bleaching rates and good durability.

Abstract: Described are photochromic polyurethane coatings that meet commercially acceptable “cosmetic” standards for optical coatings. Also described are articles having such coatings. The coatings exhibit a Fischer microhardness of from 50 to 150 Newtons per mm and improved photochromic properties, i.e., the formation of darker activated colors and faster rates of photochromic activation and fade when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Described is a polymerizable organic composition comprising: (a) a radically polymerizable gel-free prepolymer of (i) at least one first polymerizable monomer having at least two radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, e.g., divinyl benzene, and (ii) at least one first polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups, e.g., thioglycerol bis(mercaptoacetate); and (b) at least one second polymerizable monomer having at least two radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, e.g., divinyl benzene and/or methacrylic anhydride, the first and second radically polymerizable monomers each being substantially free of norbornene groups. The molar equivalent ratio of ethylenically unsaturated groups of (a)(i) to the thiol groups of (a)(ii) is no greater than 1:1. The described polymerizable composition has reduced shrinkage, and a polymerizate prepared therefrom has a refractive index of at least 1.57 and an Abbe number of at least 33.

Abstract: The electrochromic devices have an ion conductive layer formed by curing a composition comprising a bipyridinium compound represented by the formula a specific metallocene compound and a precursor of a polymeric solid electrolyte, between two electrically conductive substrates, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: A method and composition for manufacturing a luminescent screen assembly for a color cathode ray tube (CRT) is disclosed. The luminescent screen assembly is formed on an interior surface of a faceplate panel of the CRT. The luminescent screen assembly has a patterned light-absorbing matrix thereon. The matrix defines a first set of fields, a second set of fields, and a third set of fields. An aqueous pigment suspension is applied to the first set of fields. The aqueous pigment suspension comprises a pigment, one or more surface-active agents and at least one non-pigmented oxide particle. The at least one non-pigmented oxide particle has a size that is less than that of the pigment.

Abstract: A thermoset fluorescent pigmentary vinyl is provided which is vinyl siding and trim components having luminescent characteristics. A thermoset fluorescent pigment which is charged by sunlight during the daytime hours and emits light during the nighttime hours.

Abstract: A photochromic coating composition contains a silicon-containing precondensate derived from a hydrolysable silane containing a polymerizable functional group on a hydrolysis-stable radical, a photochromic dye, a stabilizer, and nanoscale particles. The coating composition, when applied to transparent plastic and glass substrates and cured, gives a coating having high light stability and good scratch resistance.

Abstract: Described are novel photochromic 6-aryl substituted 3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran compounds, examples of which are naphthopyran compounds having a substituted aryl group at the number 6 carbon atom and certain substituents at the 3-position of the pyran ring. Certain substituents may also be present at the number 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms of the compounds. These compounds may be represented by the following graphic formula: Also described are polymeric organic host materials that contain one or more of such compounds or combinations of such compounds) with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., other naphthopyrans, benzopyrans and spiro(oxazine)type compounds.

Abstract: A photochromic naphthopyran of formula (I) wherein R1 through R15, which may be the same or different, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, halogen, C1-C4 alkylcarbonyloxy, benzoyloxy, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and NR16R17, wherein R16 and R17 are each C1-C4 alkyl or together with the N atom form a 5-12 membered monocyclic or polycyclic ring having, optionally, one or more further heteroatoms; R is hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; and >C(CnH2n=1) (CmH2m=1) is a tert-alkylene grup, wherein n and m are integers from 1 to 5.

Abstract: An electrochromic solution includes a hydrazone compound as an anodic compound is disclosed.

Abstract: A damage resistant and tolerant optical element is disclosed. Prior art solid or liquid host matrices are replaced by a soft crosslinked polymer or similar host material. The viscoelastic properties of the matrix host material are controlled during formation so that there are regions of different softness, of stiffness, within the matrix, to form a stiffness gradient. Preferably, the matrix will be softest at a preselected focal plane where maximum electromagnetic radiation or energy output may be expected. The host matrix is doped with a light altering dopant having a concentration distribution, preferably such that the concentration of light limiting dopant is highest in the region where the host matrix material is most soft. Two important disclosed example embodiments are an optical limiter and a solid state dye laser.

Abstract: Benzodioxino-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran compounds having particularly advantageous photochromic properties, such as, high sensitivity/coloration, two distinct absorption bands in the 430-500 nm range and 520-620 nm range of the visible spectrum may be generally described as a naphthopyran having a central nucleus of the formula: 1

Abstract: Method and preparation for the photochromic labeling and/or for protecting the authenticity of objects, in which bacteriorhodopsin materials and preparations therefrom are used for application to the objects; preference is given to using a combination of low-level and high-level security features in said bacteriorhodopsin materials and preparations therefrom.

Abstract: Photochromatic compounds belonging to the groups of chromenes and spiro-pyrans having general formula (I).

Abstract: An electrochromic system having a first electrode disposed on a transparent or translucent substrate and a second electrode, an electrolyte, an electron donor and a nanoporous-nanocrystalline film of a semiconducting metallic oxide having a redox chromophore adsorbed thereto being intermediate the first and second electrodes. Such a system has a very rapid electrochromic effect.

Abstract: Described is a polymerizable composition of a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic compound, at least one material having at least one carbonate group and at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one monoisocyanate containing material having at least one unsaturated group. The polymerizable composition optionally contains copolymerizable monomers. Also described are photochromic polymerizates, e.g., photochromic optical elements such as ophthalmic lenses, prepared from the polymerizable composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is related to photonic crystal devices that comprise novel mesoscopic periodic materials which comprise polymerized crystalline colloidal arrays (CCA) and at least one photosensitive component. Preferably, the photosensitive component is a photochromic molecule and more preferably the component is an azobenzene derivative. Methods for making these devices are also disclosed. The devices of the present invention are useful in many applications including, for example, optical switches, display devices and memory storage devices. The devices of the present invention permit the possibility to write with ultraviolet light and erase with visible light. In addition, the present invention is related to a functionalized polymerized crystalline colloidal array which preferably comprises reactive epoxide groups. The present invention is further directed to a photosensitive polymerized crystalline colloidal array.

Abstract: A thermally color-developing reversibly thermochromic pigment which shows a uniform color density in the coloring temperature range and also shows an optional &Dgr;H value within a range of from 3 to 40° C. of the &Dgr;H value (hysteresis temperature range) in a temperature-color density curve. Thermally color-developing reversibly thermochromic pigments of a three component system having a &Dgr;H value of within a range of from 7 to 40° C. in which at least essential three components including (a) an electron-donating chromic organic compound, (b) a specified compound selected from gallic acid esters and (c) a reaction medium selected from alcohols, esters, ketones and hydrocarbons, which reversibly generates color reactions of both of the compounds within a specified temperature range and has a melting point of less than 50° C., are microencapsulated, and of a four component system having a &Dgr;H value of within a range of from 3 to 25° C.

Abstract: A coating, such as ink or paint, is used, where particles in the coating are selected based on electric, magnetic, or light/photo properties, and are dispersed in the coating to provide a desired physical color. In one approach, the application of the coating to the substrate such as paper is controlled using an electric or magnetic field. In another approach, a pattern is formed in a coating on a substrate by targeting an electric, magnetic or photo field to specific locations on the coating. In yet another approach, the color of a coating that is applied to an object is shifted to match a background color so that the coating appears to be erased. In this approach, the coating may be in the form of a label, such as a bar code, that can be read by a scanner at a point of sale location. In another approach a pattern or code is scrambled or removed by applying an electric, magnetic, or photo field to specific locations on the coating or substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic spirobenzopyran compound of the formula (1) and its derivatives, a spirobenzopyran group having unsaturated terminal groups, a polymer prepared therefrom, a method for the production thereof, a composition comprising said spirobenzopyran or said spirobenzopyran group-containing polymer and a photochromic switch film using the same: 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic nanocapsule and its preparation method thereof, and more particularly, to a core/shell type photochromic nanocapsule comprising a photochromic diarylethene compound encompassed by polymers and its preparation method thereof, wherein a diarylethene compound, a monomer or a mixture of monomers, an emulsifier and a initiator are emulsified followed by the polymerization at a predetermined temperature thus resulting in a photochromic nanocapsule which is not only reduced in size from &mgr;m of the conventional ones to nm but also has an excellent thermal stability, transparency, and an excellent photochromic property thereby enabling to be used as optical materials such as an optical recording material, an optical switch, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel naphthopyran-type compounds, which are annelated in position C5-C6 with a seven-membered carbocycle, and which are of formula (I) given below: These compounds (I) possess interesting photochromic properties. The invention also relates to their preparation, their applications as photochromes as well as the compositions and (co)polymer matrices containing them.

Abstract: Described are polymeric matrix compatibilized naphthopyran compounds, examples of which are certain 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans, 3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans and indeno[2,1-f]naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans each having at least one substituent containing terminal and/or pendant groups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfo, sulfono, (meth)acryloxy, 2-(methacryloxy)ethylcarbamyl, epoxy or a mixture thereof. Specific substituents are also present on the naphtho, indeno and/or pyrano portions of the compounds. These compounds may be represented by the following graphic formulae: Also described are various substrates that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Optically clear articles such as contact lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel naphthopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, are also described.

Abstract: A gel composition that displays changes in temperature through color changes, characterized in that the gel composition can show changes in temperature by changing its color and the entire color of the composition will change when there is a 2 degree centigrade change in its immediate environment. The method of manufacturing the gel composition includes the steps of: mixing 75% of water by weight with 25% of vinyl alcohol by weight and stirring well the mixture of water and vinyl alcohol, heating the mixture to 70 degrees centigrade to form a gel material, adding temperature sensitive colorant into the gel material and completely dissolving the colorant into the gel material, and filing the gel material into a transparent pocket made of TPU/PVC/EVA film and sealing the pocket.

Abstract: An optical device, for homogenising the lighting in an image plane, defined by a digital optical sensor wherein the optical device is formed of a block made of transparent homogenous filtering material, this block having a substantially uniform absorption coefficient for all the wavelengths of the visible optical spectrum which pass through it, and having a variable thickness suited to a determined absorption profile.

Abstract: An electrochromic element composed of an ionically conductive substance layer containing a specified electrochromic substance sandwiched between two electrically conductive substrates at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: An electrochromic element composed of an ionically conductive substance layer containing a specified electrochromic substance sandwiched between two electrically conductive substrates at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: Described are photochromic organic resin compositions and the impact resistant polymerizates and coating compositions made therefrom. The organic resin composition comprises the reaction product of at least one polyol having greater than 1.0 hydroxyl groups; at least one polyisocyanate having greater than 1.0 isocyanato groups; and at least one polyamine curing agent having greater than 1.0 amino groups. The polymerizates are made photochromic either by the addition of organic photochromic compounds to the reactants used to form the polymerizate or by methods that imbibe or transfer the photochromic compounds into the polymerizate. Optically clear photochromic and impact resistant articles such as ophthalmic lenses and articles having photochromic coatings prepared from the photochromic organic resin compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides indolinospiropyran compounds and methods for their manufacture, which compounds are useful as photochromic compounds. The compounds of the invention are substituted on the indole ring with succinimide, which substitution permits ring opening of the succinimide and modulation of the bulk and photochromic properties of the compounds. The compounds may be conveniently prepared using the solid phase organic synthesis of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electro-optico chromophore bridge compounds and donor-bridge compounds which can be used in the preparation of polymeric thin films for waveguide media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the naphthopyran type which have an annelated carbocycle in position 5,6. These compounds are of formula (I) given below: in which A is an alicyclic ring which is optionally annelated with an aromatic ring and in which two adjacent R3 can together form at least one ring, for example a benzo group. These compounds (I) possess interesting photochromic properties. The invention also relates to the method of preparing these compounds (I), as well as their applications as photochromes and compositions and (co)polymer matrices comprising them.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrochromic arrangements in a layered structure which are characterized in that one layer contains an electrically conductive electrochromic polydioxythiophene, another layer comprises an electrolyte containing a protonic acid, and another layer comprises an ion storage or a mixture of ion storages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel naphthopyran-type compounds, annelated in position C5-C6 by an indene- or dihydronaphthalene-type carbocycle, which are of the formulae (I) and (II) given below: These compounds (I) and (II) have interesting photochromic properties. The invention also relates to their preparation, to their applications as photochromes, as well as to the compositions and (co)polymer matrices containing them.