Electrochromic Patents (Class 359/265)
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Patent number: 10139080Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated, glazed automotive-vehicle roof comprising an internal glass sheet and an external glass sheet and lamination interlayers joining the glass sheets, and comprising, placed between the two glass sheets, an SPD (suspended particle device) assembly for controlling light transmission, and LED (light-emitting diode) illuminating elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPEInventors: Yuji Masaki, Sebastien Linthout
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Patent number: 10138125Abstract: An electrically conductive thin film including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 or Chemical Formula 2 and having a layered crystal structure: M1Te2??Chemical Formula 1 wherein M1 is titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), tantalum (Ta), or niobium (Nb); and M2Se2??Chemical Formula 2 wherein M2 is vanadium (V) or tantalum (Ta).Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Il Kim, Se Yun Kim, Kyoung-Seok Moon, Sung Woo Hwang, Yoon Chul Son, Hyosug Lee
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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: 10115896Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first bottom electrode, a second bottom electrode, a switching layer and a top electrode. The first bottom electrode has two edges opposite to each other, and an upper surface. The second bottom electrode is between the edges of the first bottom electrode and exposed from the upper surface of the first bottom electrode. The switching layer is over the first bottom electrode and the second bottom electrode. The top electrode is over the switching layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Yao-Wen Chang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chin-Wei Liang, Yen-Chang Chu
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Patent number: 10114266Abstract: The present invention provides an electroactive optical device including an optical substrate having two opposing surfaces; at least two electrodes spaced one from the other and disposed on the surface of the substrate; and at least one electroactive material layer in contact with the at least two electrodes and the surface of the substrate. The electroactive optical device has variable light transmittance in response to the magnitude of an applied electrical voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Anil Kumar, Truman Wilt, Peter L. Votruba-Drzal
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Patent number: 10095079Abstract: Multi-layer devices comprising a layer of an electrochromic lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the lithium nickel oxide composition comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Kinestral Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hye Jin Choi, Mark Bailey, John David Bass, Stephen Winthrop von Kugelgen, Eric Lachman, Howard W. Turner, Julian P. Bigi
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Patent number: 10095333Abstract: A touch apparatus including a first substrate, a first translucent electrode, a second substrate, an electrochromic layer, a reflective film, and a touch sensing structure is provided. The first substrate has a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite to each other. The first translucent electrode is disposed on the first inner surface. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The electrochromic layer is located between the first inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate. The reflective film is disposed on the second substrate. The touch sensing structure is disposed on the first outer surface of the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: UNIDISPLAY INC.Inventors: Wei-Chieh Wang, Meng-Chia Chan, Sheng-Hsien Lin, Chun-Heng Lin
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Patent number: 10088731Abstract: Window units, for example insulating glass units (IGU's), that have at least two panes, each pane having an electrochromic device thereon, are described. Two optical state devices on each pane of a dual-pane window unit provide window units having four optical states. Window units described allow the end user a greater choice of how much light is transmitted through the electrochromic window. Also, by using two or more window panes, each with its own electrochromic device, registered in a window unit, visual defects in any of the individual devices are negated by virtue of the extremely small likelihood that any of the visual defects will align perfectly and thus be observable to the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Robin Friedman, Sridhar K. Kailasam, Rao Mulpuri, Ronald A. Powell, Dhairya Shrivastava
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Patent number: 10088729Abstract: Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer, which are in direct contact with one another. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices. In addition to the improved electrochromic devices and methods for fabrication, integrated deposition systems for forming such improved devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Anshu Pradhan, Robert Rozbicki
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Patent number: 10071675Abstract: A vehicle system includes an autonomous driving sensor and a processor. The autonomous driving sensor is programmed to output an object detection signal representing an object near a host vehicle. The processor is programmed to output a headlight activation signal to activate vehicle headlights in response to receiving the object detection signal and while the host vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 10061175Abstract: EC film stacks and different layers within the EC film stacks are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing these layers are also disclosed. In one embodiment, an EC layer comprises nanostructured EC layer. These layers may be manufactured by various methods, including, including, but not limited to glancing angle deposition, oblique angle deposition, electrophoresis, electrolyte deposition, and atomic layer deposition. The nanostructured EC layers have a high specific surface area, improved response times, and higher color efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: e-Vision, LLCInventors: Anita Trajkovska-Broach, Ying Sun, William Kokonaski
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Patent number: 10061178Abstract: A glazing having switchable optical properties is described, including a transparent substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface, a reflection layer on the outer surface and/or on the inner surface and a switchable functional element arranged on the interior side with respect to the reflection layer. The reflection layer contains a material having a refractive index nR of 1.6 to 2.5. The product of the refractive index nR and the thickness d of the reflection layer is from 250 nm to 960 nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Julien Orillard, Olivier Selles
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Patent number: 10061174Abstract: A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.Inventors: Mark Samuel Burdis, Douglas Glenn John Weir
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Patent number: 10036930Abstract: An electro-optic assembly comprises an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material. The adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material and an ionic material having either its cation or its anion fixed to the polymeric adhesive material. The ionic material reduces the volume resistivity of the polymeric adhesive material and is not removed upon heating to 50° C. In a similar electro-optic assembly comprising an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material, the adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material which has been subjected to dialysis or diafiltration to remove organic species having a molecular weight less than about 3,500, so that the adhesive material has a content of N-methylpyrrolidone not exceeding 500 ppm based upon the total weight of the adhesive layer and layer of electro-optic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Thomas H. Whitesides, Lan Cao
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Patent number: 10017118Abstract: A replaceable automobile interior rearview mirror bracket comprises a support base (1) arranged in a body (6) of an automobile interior rearview mirror and an Original Equipment Manufacturer base (2) arranged on an automobile windshield (7), and a replaceable support (3) arranged between the support base (1) and the OEM base (2). The replaceable support (3) includes a ball head base (31), a support pipe (32), and a conversion head (35). The ball head base (31) is fixed with the OEM base (2), the support base (1) is provided with a connector (4), the connector (4) is connected with the conversion head (35) on the replaceable support (3), and the connector (4) is fixed with the replaceable support (3) through a fastening screw (5). The present application, realizing replacement of a double-ball-head support or a three-ball-head support, has advantages of easy disassembling and assembling, safety, reliability and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Global Media Industry Group Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lei Pan
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Patent number: 10009958Abstract: A transparent pane having an electrically heatable coating and at least one coating-free zone that can be used, for example, as a communication window, is disclosed. The electrically heatable coating is connected to two collecting electrodes, such that a supply voltage applied to the electrodes generates a heating current that flows via a heating field formed between the collecting electrodes, the heating field containing the coating-free zone whose zone-edge is formed, at least in sections, by the heatable coating. Other implementation details include subdivision of one of the two collecting electrodes into separated subregions, each connected, via an electrical supply line, to an additional electrode. In one case, the electrical supply line runs, at least in sections, in the coating-free zone, in a coating-free edge strip, in a subregion of the coating outside the heating field, and/or in the zone-edge. Methods for producing the transparent pane are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Bojan Dimitrijevic, Valentin Schulz, Guenther Schall
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Patent number: 10001691Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Anshu A. Pradhan, Stephen C. Brown, David Walter Groechel, Robert T. Rozbicki
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Patent number: 9995986Abstract: There is provided a light control element including a transparent conductive film, a proton accumulation layer on the transparent conductive film, an inorganic electrolyte layer on the proton accumulation layer, an organic electrolyte layer on the inorganic electrolyte layer, a catalyst layer on the organic electrolyte layer, and a light control mirror layer on the catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Ayuko Imai, Ken Sumiyoshi
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Patent number: 9999128Abstract: Electronic sticker technology that enables assembly of circuits at ambient temperature without the use of any special tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: CHIBITRONICS PRIVATE LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Shane Huang, Jie Qi
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Patent number: 9964831Abstract: An electro-optic assembly comprises an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material. The adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material and an ionic material having either its cation or its anion fixed to the polymeric adhesive material. The ionic material reduces the volume resistivity of the polymeric adhesive material and is not removed upon heating to 50° C. In a similar electro-optic assembly comprising an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material, the adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material which has been subjected to dialysis or diafiltration to remove organic species having a molecular weight less than about 3,500, so that the adhesive material has a content of N-methylpyrrolidone not exceeding 500 ppm based upon the total weight of the adhesive layer and layer of electro-optic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventor: Thomas H. Whitesides
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Patent number: 9964828Abstract: An energy storage device includes a cathodic material in an activated state; and an anodic material in an activated state; wherein: the cathodic material is a viologen covalently attached to, or confined within, a first polymer matrix, the first polymer matrix is configured to prevent or minimize substantial diffusion of the cathodic material in the activated state; and the anodic material is a phenazine, a phenothiazine, a triphenodithiazine, a carbazole, a indolocarbazole, a biscarbazole, or a ferrocene covalently attached to, or confined within, a second polymer matrix, the second polymer matrix is configured to prevent or minimize substantial diffusion of the anodic material in the activated state.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David A. Theiste, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Sue F. Franz, Punam Giri, Rongguang Lin
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Patent number: 9946136Abstract: The present invention discloses a display apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof. The display apparatus comprises a display device, an out-cell device and a flexible printed circuit board for being connected to an external signal. The display device has a first category of leads and a second category of leads; the out-cell device has reserved leads, and the reserved leads are electrically connected to the second category of leads; and the flexible printed circuit board has a first category of pins and a second category of pins, the first category of leads are electrically connected to the first category of pins, and the second category of leads are electrically connected to the second category of pins. In this way, the reserved leads are electrically connected to the second category of leads, while the second category of leads are electrically connected to the second category of pins, thereby enabling conduction between the out-cell device and the external signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ming Yang, Wenqing Zhao, Xue Dong, Renwei Guo, Dong Yang
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Patent number: 9939701Abstract: Protic-soluble electrochromic materials, ion-paired electrochromic materials including protic-soluble electrochromic materials, as well as electrochromic media and electrochromic devices incorporating such materials, are provided. The use of protic solvent mixtures, especially mixtures incorporating water, allows for the use of a wider variety of substrate materials. For example, plastics that may be soluble in organic aprotic solvent systems may be used in water-based devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, Rongguang Lin, Punam Giri, Sue Franz
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Patent number: 9941423Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film solar cell includes: depositing a transparent first rear electrode on a first surface of a transparent substrate; depositing a second rear electrode having a high-conductive metal on the first rear electrode; performing a first laser scribing process to separate a double layer of the first and second rear electrodes; depositing a light absorption layer having selenium (Se) or sulfur (S) on the second rear electrode; performing a second laser scribing process by inputting a laser to a second surface of the transparent substrate to separate the light absorption layer; depositing a transparent electrode on the light absorption layer; and performing a third laser scribing process by inputting a laser to the second surface to separate the transparent electrode. Accordingly, patterning may be performed in a substrate-incident laser manner to improve price, productivity and precision of the patterning process.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jeung-hyun Jeong, Won Mok Kim, Jong-Keuk Park
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Patent number: 9926406Abstract: A novel soluble green polythiophene electrochromic material, poly[2,3-bis(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)-5,8-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl)quinoxaline], as shown by formula (I), wherein, n is an integer from 40 to 200, R=CmH2m+1, wherein m is an integer from 8 to 14.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHINAInventors: Chunye Xu, Sai Mi, Jianming Zheng
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Patent number: 9927609Abstract: A heads up display system of a vehicle including a combiner screen having a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity and a reflective polarizer is positioned on one of the first and second surfaces. A projector projects light having a first polarization toward the first surface of the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll
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Patent number: 9918979Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of the low ABUK oxymorphone hydrochloride is provided. The oxymorphone hydrochloride is produced by hydrogenating a starting material comprising oxymorphone base and 14-hydroxymorphinone in a mixture comprising an alcohol, water and an acid, removing some of the water and adding more alcohol to the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Saroop Matharu, Brian Heinrich, Aniruddh Singh, Mahmoud Mirmehrabi
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Patent number: 9919958Abstract: A method includes impregnating a region of a glass sheet with a filler material in a liquid state. The glass sheet includes a plurality of glass soot particles. The filler material is solidified subsequent to the impregnating step to form a glass/filler composite region of the glass sheet.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Daniel Warren Hawtof, Nathan Michael Hill, Eric Yun Kuei Lynn, Catherine Michiko Magee, Brent Allen Noll, Daniel Roberto Shneyer, Steven Bryan Shooter
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Patent number: 9904129Abstract: Provided are a light modulation device and a use thereof. The light modulation device may apply an external signal by a composite layer having a high transmittance in a visible region, a low transmittance in an infrared region and a low sheet resistance. Such a light modulation device may be applied in various uses such as a smart window, a window protecting film, a flexible display element, an active retarder for displaying a 3D image or a viewing angle control film.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Sung Joon Min, Su Jin Kim, Doo Hoon Song, Jin Hyong Lim, Dong Hyun Oh, Ki Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 9897887Abstract: Provided is an electrochromic device, which may prevent a damage of an electrode and include a lower substrate and an upper substrate configured to face each other with an electrolyte layer therebetween, an upper electrode provided between the electrolyte layer and the upper substrate, a lower electrode provided between the electrolyte layer and the lower substrate, an upper ion reactive layer provided between the upper electrode and the electrolyte layer, and a lower protection layer provided between the lower electrode and the electrolyte layer and configured to prohibit the lower electrode and the electrolyte layer from contacting.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Joo Yeon Kim, Hojun Ryu, Sang Hoon Cheon, Seong-Mok Cho, Ji-Young Oh, Tae-Youb Kim, Chil Seong Ah, Yong Hae Kim, Jeong Ik Lee, Nam Sung Cho, Chi-Sun Hwang
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Patent number: 9895772Abstract: A method of removing material from an opposite side of workpiece includes directing a laser beam at a first side of the workpiece to remove the material from an opposite second side of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Henry A. Luten, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Donald L. Bareman
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Electrochromic apparatus, electrochromic element, and method of manufacturing electrochromic element
Patent number: 9869918Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus including a first support, a first electrode, a first transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second support, a second electrode, a second transparent conductive layer, and an electrolyte layer is provided. The first and second supports have first and second surfaces, respectively, on each of which a plurality of grooves is formed. The grooves on the second surface are facing the grooves on the first surface. The first and second electrodes are disposed at each one of the plurality of grooves of the first and second supports, respectively. The first and second transparent conductive layers are in contact with the first and second surfaces, respectively. The electrochromic layer is in contact with the first transparent conductive layer. The electrolyte layer is between the electrochromic layer and the second transparent conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiko Matsumoto, Keiichiroh Yutani, Hidekazu Yaginuma, Koh Fujimura, Fuminari Kaneko, Mamiko Inoue, Sukchan Kim, Satoshi Yamamoto, Tohru Yashiro -
Patent number: 9870890Abstract: A load center includes an arc fault circuit interrupter comprising a plurality of contacts, an operating mechanism for separating the contacts, and an arc fault trip mechanism to generate a trip signal in the event of an arc fault detection. The load center also includes a neutral link electrically connected to the arc fault trip mechanism and the plurality of contacts. The load center further includes a mounting rail operatively coupled to the arc fault circuit interrupter, the arc fault circuit interrupter directly supported by the mounting rail. The load center yet further includes a neutral busbar and a plug-in neutral conductor electrically connecting the mounting rail to the neutral busbar.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rajeev Kumar, Poulomi Ghosh, Mahadeva Mallappa Mittu, Bradley Eden Parlee, Jonathan David Potter
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Patent number: 9840190Abstract: A hazard alert system includes a vehicle that has a back side and at least one door that is hingedly coupled to the vehicle. The at least one door is positionable in an open position having the at least one door extending outwardly from the vehicle. An alert is coupled to the at least one door. The alert issues a visual alert when the at least one door is in the open position. Thus, oncoming traffic is alerted to avoid the at least one door.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Inventor: Barbara Brady
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Patent number: 9839147Abstract: A magnetic stand for a tablet device is disclosed. The magnetic stand is configured to rigidly hold a portion of the tablet device in place and to shield the magnetic field from adversely affecting nearby devices susceptible to strong magnetic fields. The shielding portion of the magnetic stand allows for significant increases in magnetic field strength when compared to similarly configured, unshielded products.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Matthew D. Rohrbach
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Patent number: 9835769Abstract: A method which may be used for forming an optical effect coating for a light transmission element configured to form a part of a cover of a device is disclosed. The method comprises: printing a first coating layer having a plurality of adjacent first elongated micro openings extending in a first direction in an aperture area, and printing a second coating layer having a plurality of adjacent second elongated micro openings extending in a second direction, the second direction differing from the first direction, in the aperture area. Thereby, an optical effect coating is formed, comprising micro holes formed at intersections of the first and the second elongated micro openings, the micro holes producing locally increased effective light transmittance through the optical effect coating in the aperture area.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLCInventors: Hiroshi Sasaki, Joni Arola
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Patent number: 9825298Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an electricity storage material are provided which allow easily measuring the dissolution rate to solubility of a solution of a powder thickener dissolved in a liquid solvent. An apparatus for manufacturing an electricity storage material includes: a dissolving device that dissolves in a liquid solvent a thickener as powder that is ionized when dissolved; and a dissolution-rate-to-solubility determining device that measures conductivity of the solution produced by the dissolving device and determines a dissolution rate to solubility of the solution based on the measured conductivity. The dissolution rate to solubility can thus be determined without the need to stop the dissolving device during dissolution of the thickener in the liquid solvent. This can significantly improve production efficiency. Since excessive operation of the dissolving device can be prevented, energy saving can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Takumi Mio, Yoshifumi Fukaya, Takafumi Fujii
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Patent number: 9817256Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical device comprising at least one glass or polymer area, whereby an active matrix is located in contact with the at least one glass or polymer area, the optical device comprises a power supply system located between a first auxiliary plane and a second auxiliary-plane parallel to a glass or polymer area, and a distance L from a third auxiliary-plane or a fourth auxiliary-plane approximately perpendicular to the glass or polymer area. The invention pertains also to a power supply system for such an optical device.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Merck Patent GmbHInventors: Casper Van Oosten, Felix Schlosser
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Patent number: 9810963Abstract: The disclosure provides, in part a seal system for sealing a film. The disclosure further provides, in part, a sealed film comprising a first and a second substrate; a first and a second electrode disposed on the surface of at least one of the substrates; a switching material disposed between the first and second substrates; a first seal and a second seal; the first seal disposed along an edge of the switching material, separating the switching material from the second seal.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Switch Materials, Inc.Inventors: Simon James Gauthier, Andrew Koutsandreas, Duhane Lam, Jonathan Ross Sargent, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
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Patent number: 9785031Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a nanostructured transition metal oxide bronze layer that includes one or more transition metal oxide and one or more dopant, a solid state electrolyte, and a counter electrode. The nanostructured transition metal oxide bronze selectively modulates transmittance of near-infrared (NIR) spectrum and visible spectrum radiation as a function of an applied voltage to the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignees: HELIOTROPE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Tracy M. Mattox, Bonil Koo, Guillermo Garcia, Delia J. Milliron, Luca De Trizio, Clayton Dahlman
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Patent number: 9779901Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-temperature thermal pellet composition that maintains structural rigidity up to a transition temperature of about 240° C. The composition comprises at least one organic compound (e.g., triptycene or 1-aminoanthroquinone). The pellet can be disposed in a housing of a thermally-actuated, current cutoff device, such as a high-temperature thermal cutoff device (HTTCO). Also provided are material systems, which include the pellet composition and a high-temperature seal that provides substantial sealing up to at least the transition temperature. Methods of making such high-temperature pellet compositions and incorporating them into a thermally-actuated, current cutoff device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, IncorporatedInventors: Perry Kent, Truong Nguyen
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Patent number: 9778534Abstract: Chromatic systems and structures are presented that operate without external electrical supply, which enable changes in color or transparency of a substrate material, such as glass. Various configurations provide a mechanism to activate an oxidation-reduction reaction in a chromatic material, so as to change from transparent to opaque or from one color to another. These structures may be used in applications from windows for buildings and homes, camera lenses, automotive displays and windows, mobile device displays, and other applications where chromatic change is desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: POLYCEED INC.Inventors: Henry Tran, Scott Gilje, Maha Achour, Juan C. Lopez-Tonazzi, John P. Cronin, Anoop Agrawal
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Patent number: 9771514Abstract: A sealant, a preparation method and a curing method thereof, and a display apparatus are provided. The sealant includes a viscous transparent base material and electrochromic material doped in the base material. The electrochromic material is mutually linked to form a conductive chain and can change color in the case that an electric field is applied upon the electrochromic material, to prevent light from passing through.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Wenjun Xiao, Xiaochuan Chen, Wenbo Jiang, Shijun Wang, Lei Wang, Yanna Xue, Yue Li, Zhiying Bao, Zhenhua Lv, Yong Zhang
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Patent number: 9766528Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first flexible or rigid plastic substrate including a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface comprises a first conductive material; and the front surface, the rear surface, or both the front surface and the rear surface of the first substrate comprises a gas diffusion barrier; and a second flexible or rigid plastic substrate including a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein the front surface comprises a second conductive material, wherein the first substrate is joined to the second substrate by a sealing member, where the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate with the sealing member define a chamber therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, William L. Tonar, Gary J. Dozeman, Kelvin L. Baumann, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Zachary J. Petroelje, Garret DeNolf
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Patent number: 9748097Abstract: To provide a coating liquid for forming a metal oxide film, containing: an indium compound; at least one selected from the group consisting of a magnesium compound, a calcium compound, a strontium compound, and a barium compound; at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound containing a metal a maximum positive value of an oxidation number of which is IV, a compound containing a metal a maximum positive value of an oxidation number of which is V, and a compound containing a metal a maximum positive value of an oxidation number of which is VI; and an organic solvent.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Naoyuki Ueda, Shinji Matsumoto, Mikiko Takada, Yuji Sone, Ryoichi Saotome, Sadanori Arae, Yukiko Abe
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Patent number: 9740074Abstract: This invention focuses on electrooptic devices and in particular on electrochromic (EC) devices with several aspects directed towards automotive EC mirrors and windows. Adhesive compositions are disclosed herein which improve device processing attributes and their performance and durability.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: AJJER LLCInventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi, John P. Cronin
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Patent number: 9733550Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprising a light source which emits light with predetermined light distribution in a fixed direction, and an optical element which is arranged in such a manner that at least part of light emitted from the light source inputs to the optical element, and can perform switching to a transmission state in which the light is transmitted, a first reflection state in which the light is reflected in a first direction, and a second reflection state in which the light is reflected in a second direction different from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideaki Yamamoto, Keima Kono, Shigehiro Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 9718409Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism has a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable spring arm extending away from the mounting plate, and a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the spring arm of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body at a coupling axis therebetween. A motor is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
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Patent number: 9723723Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for tempering or chemically strengthening glass substrates having electrochromic devices fabricated thereon. In one aspect, an electrochromic device is fabricated on a glass substrate. The glass substrate is then tempered or chemically strengthened. The disclosed methods may reduce or prevent potential issues that the electrochromic device may experience during the tempering or the chemical strengthening processes, including the loss of charge carrying ions from the device, redistribution of charge carrying ions in the device, modification of the morphology of materials included in the device, modification of the oxidation state of materials included in the device, and the formation of an interfacial region between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer of the device that impacts the performance of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Rozbicki, Anshu Pradhan
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Patent number: 9715119Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrochromic grating comprising: a substrate; a plurality of strip-shaped first transparent electrodes distributed on the substrate in parallel at an equal predetermined pitch; and a plurality of ion storage layers, a plurality of electrochromic layers, and a plurality of strip-shaped second transparent electrodes. One ion storage layer, one electrochromic layer and one second transparent electrode are sequentially formed on each of the first transparent electrodes, and the electrochromic layer is configured to switch from a transparent state to a shading state when different drive voltages are applied to the first and second transparent electrodes. A method for producing an electrochromic grating is also provided. There is no interference between the shading region and the light-transmissive region and there is no negative impact on the effect of 2D display, providing users with a great experience.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Changgang Huang, Zhenyu Zhang, Yanping Liao