Particular Nonplanar Electrode Arrangement Patents (Class 359/266)
  • Publication number: 20140078569
    Abstract: An electro-chromic display element, and a display apparatus and a driving method using the same are provided. The electro-chromic display element includes at least a display substrate 1b; a display electrode 1 provided on the display substrate 1b; an electro-chromic layer 3 provided on the display electrode 1; an opposing substrate 2b; multiple opposing electrodes 2 which are provided on the opposing substrate 2b and which are arranged to oppose the display electrode 1; and an electrolytic layer 4 provided such that it is placed between the display electrode 1 and the multiple opposing electrodes 2. The electro-chromic display element further includes an erasing electrode 5, which is a third electrode which is placed between the display electrode 1 and the multiple opposing electrodes 2 and which is arranged such that the electro-chromic layer 3 is placed between the third electrode and the display electrode 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Tohru Yashiro, Koh Fujimura, Akishige Murakami, Shigenobu Hirano, Yoshihisa Naijo, Yoshinori Okada, Kazuaki Tsuji, Sukchan Kim
  • Publication number: 20140049805
    Abstract: An electrochromic display device comprises: a first electrode substrate; a second electrode substrate; an electrochromic fluid distributed between the first and the second electrode substrate; and a dividing wall located between the first and the second electrode substrate, contacting the first and the second electrode substrate, respectively, and used for isolating the electrochromic fluid into various pixel areas. The electrochromic display device has no interference occurred between adjacent pixel areas. A method for producing such an electrochromic display device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xin Gu
  • Patent number: 8643931
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror element including a front element having a first front surface and a second rear surface. A cross-section of the second rear surface defines a first line. A rear element includes a third front surface and a fourth rear surface. Electrochromic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A spotter optic is located in the second rear surface of the front element. A cross-section of the spotter optic defines a second line. A transition region is disposed between the spotter optic and the second rear surface of the front element. A distance from a surface of the transition region to an intersection of the first line and the second line is between about 0.001 mm and 0.034 mm. At least a portion of the spotter optic includes a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the first front surface includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being smaller than the second radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Brian J. Steenwyk, Michael L. McLarty, Randall S. Braun
  • Publication number: 20140002881
    Abstract: Provided is an electrochromic device with a solar cell. The device may include first and second substrates spaced apart from and facing each other, an electrolytic layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first electrode between the first substrate and the electrolytic layer, a second electrode between the second substrate and the electrolytic layer, an electrochromic layer between the first electrode and the electrolytic layer, and a counter electrode between the second electrode and the electrolytic layer. The counter electrode may be a silicon solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
  • Publication number: 20130335801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device (1) having electrically controllable optical and/or energy properties, comprising a first electrode coating (4), a second electrode coating (12) and an electrochemically active medium (6, 10) capable of switching reversibly between a first state and a second state of different optical transmission by supplying electrical power to the first electrode coating (4) and to the second electrode coating (12), the material of the electrode coatings being based on a metal oxide having a light transmission factor D65 equal to or greater than 60%, preferably equal to or greater than 80%, and having a concentration of free charge carriers such that the material has an absorption spectrum satisfying (????/2)?1.8 ?m, where ? is the plasma wavelength of the material and ?? is the full width at half maximum of the absorption spectrum at the plasma wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Arnaud Verger, Driss Lamine, Emmanuel Valentin
  • Patent number: 8593714
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel electrochromic devices and polymer actuator materials where nanoparticles are used to make composites. In particular, the said nanoparticles are wire shaped and disc shaped. These composites allow EC devices to be made with improved performance, particularly display devices could be made that consume low power and can be manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AJJER, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • Patent number: 8564871
    Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode. An electrochromic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrochromic layer and one of the electrode layers. The electrochromic layer comprises the dehydration reaction product of a hydrolyzed aromatic component. An electrochromic composition comprises an aromatic component having an aromatic core and at least two silicon-based groups pending from the aromatic core. The silicon-based groups have a silicon-bonded group selected from the group of hydrolyzable groups, hydrolyzates of hydrolyzable groups, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: David Witker, Toshio Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130271811
    Abstract: A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda
  • Publication number: 20130222878
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention is a substrate comprising multiple, independently controllable electrochromic zones, wherein each of the electrochromic zones share a common, continuous bus bar. In one embodiment, of the electrochromic zones are not completely isolated from each other. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have the same surface area. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have a different surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Greer, Jacob Spaargaren
  • Patent number: 8493646
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Patent number: 8462419
    Abstract: There is provided a composition for electrochromic devices which clearly present only two states, a white-colored state and a decolored state. The composition for electrochromic devices contains (A) a specific quaternary ammonium salt, (B) a supporting electrolyte containing bromide ion, and (C) a solvent containing water as an essential component, and (A) is soluble in (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: National University Corporation Chiba University, JNC Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Hoshino, Yosuke Oikawa, Mai Ando, Ryota Nakajima, Katsuyuki Murashiro, Toshiki Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20130141916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high quality display device which avoids complicated element structure, and does not unnecessarily reduce portability. The display device comprises: a pair of substrates which are disposed facing each other, and on each of which electrodes are formed; and a material layer which is sandwiched between the pair of substrates. The material layer contains: a coloring material which changes color upon the application of a voltage; and a light-emitting material which emits light upon photoexcitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION CHIBA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Norihisa Kobayashi, Kazuki Nakamura, Yuichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130128332
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to electrochemical devices including an electrochemically active layer having the ability of electrochemically altering its redox state. By providing a portion of an electrode of corrosion resistant material between an electrolyte and an electrochemically active layer, undesired discoloration due to the electrochemical reaction of an electrochemical device is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Acreo AB
    Inventors: Peter Andersson Ersman, David Nilsson, Magnus Berggren, Per-Olof Svensson, Nathaniel D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8411348
    Abstract: An electroconductive layer (2) designed to be combined with a substrate having a glass function, said layer (2) being composed of a metal grid (9), characterized in that the metal grid (9) consists of a pure metal and in that it is coated with at least one electrochemical protection layer (10), especially a metal layer or a metal nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat, Didier Jousse, Jean-Christophe Giron, Philippe Letocart, Se-Jong Kim, Emilie Steers
  • Patent number: 8373920
    Abstract: A display device includes a pair of insulating substrates facing each other, electrochromic elements, and an electrolyte layer. A plurality of electrodes constituting the electrochromic elements are disposed on an inner surface of one of the insulating substrates so as to be spaced from each other. One of the insulating substrates is formed of a flexible member whose outer surface is an input operation surface. A pair of counter electrodes of an input element are disposed between the pair of insulating substrates, the counter electrodes being spaced from the electrodes of the electrochromic elements when viewed in plan. An input operation is performed by bringing the counter electrodes close to each other or bringing the counter electrodes into contact with each other through pressing of the input operation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130021561
    Abstract: A display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate on the first substrate and facing the first substrate, the second substrate having a first electrode on a surface thereof; a third substrate on the second substrate and facing the second substrate, the third substrate having a second electrode on a surface thereof, the second electrode facing the first electrode and configured to form an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode; a barrier layer interposed between the second substrate and the third substrate, the barrier layer configured to selectively control transmission and blockage of light in regions thereof corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels; and a first polarizing plate on the third substrate and configured to transmit a portion of light passing through the barrier layer, the portion of light having a first phase, the barrier layer including electrochromic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Seon-Hong AHN
  • Publication number: 20130010346
    Abstract: An electrochromic device that is capable of changing the transmission of either visible or infrared radiations as a function of the polarity of a voltage applied to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Steven M. Risser, Vincent D. McGinniss, Amy M. Heintz, Kevin B. Spahr, James D. Browning
  • Patent number: 8345344
    Abstract: A multicolor photovoltaic electrochromic apparatus is provided, including a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate opposite to the first transparent substrate, a photovoltaic electrochromic device on the first transparent substrate, and a chromogenic device between the first and the second transparent substrates. The photovoltaic electrochromic device includes thin-film solar cells and an electrochromic material on the thin-film solar cells. The thin-film solar cells have different potential differences, and each of the thin-film solar cells includes an anode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a cathode. The chromogenic device includes two electrodes and a chromogenic material thereon. The cathodes of the thin-film solar cells, which have distinct potential differences, are connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the chromogenic device respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Lee-May Huang
  • Patent number: 8300297
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a carbon nano-structured electrode layer disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the second substrate, an electrochromic layer disposed on the second electrode, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Noh, Seon-Mi Yoon, Jae-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 8289609
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochromic device comprising: at least one partition (12) that separates the surface of the upper electrode (9) into two regions isolated from each other, namely a free region (9a) and an active region; at least one partition (5) that separates the surface of the lower electrode (4) into two regions electrically isolated from each other, namely a free region (4a) and an active region (4b); at least one free region (9a) of the upper electrode (9) receives a first current-supply connector (15) soldered to the active zone (4b) of the lower electrode (4); and the active area (9b) of the upper electrode (9) is in electrical contact with the connection means (20, 21a) connected to a second current-supply connector (21) electrically isolated from the free zone (9a) connected to the lower electrode (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Driss Lamine, Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat
  • Patent number: 8289608
    Abstract: Formulations are used in organically based electrochromic components, e.g. for producing displays and/or state indicators having a longer service life. The service life is increased by end-capping the 4,4?-bipyridinium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Kanitz, Wolfgang Roth
  • Patent number: 8289607
    Abstract: An electrochromic device, with controlled transparency, for example of electrically controllable type, including between a transparent carrier substrate and a counter-substrate, at least one stack of functional layers, the outermost layers of which include electroconductive layers, the conductivity of at least one electroconductive layer not in contact with the carrier substrate being reinforced by a network of conductive elements in contact with this layer. The network includes a mesh, for which the area of the intermesh free space is substantially between 0.04 mm2 and 0.16 mm2 or in a vicinity of 0.09 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat, Jean-Christophe Giron, Didier Jousse
  • Patent number: 8264761
    Abstract: A mirror element comprising a front element, a rear element, electrochromic material therebetween, and a spotter optic located at the rear surface of the front element. At least a portion of the spotter optic has a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the front surface of the front element has a greater second radius of curvature. A line perpendicular to the front surface extends through both the electrochromic material and the spotter optic. A first electrode coating and a second electrode coating are activated to activate the electrochromic material in order to dim a reflection off of the mirror element. A reflective coating of the spotter optic can form a portion of the first electrode coating. The first electrode coating and the reflective coating can overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Brian J. Steenwyk, Michael L. McLarty, Randall S. Braun
  • Patent number: 8228587
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Publication number: 20120139825
    Abstract: An electrochromic display device includes a display substrate, a counter substrate facing the display substrate, counter electrodes arranged on the counter substrate, an electrolyte layer arranged between the display substrate and the counter electrodes, display electrodes separately arranged from one another between the display substrate and the counter electrodes, electrochromic layers to develop or reduce a color by redox reactions, the electrochromic layers being formed on the respective display electrodes arranged such that the electrochromic layers face the set of the counter electrodes, a voltage applying unit to select one of the display electrodes to connect the selected display electrode and the counter electrodes to apply a voltage between the connected display electrode and counter electrodes, a disconnecting unit to disconnect the unselected display electrodes from the counter electrodes, and an interelectrode connecting unit to connect the display electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru YASHIRO, Shigenobu Hirano, Yoshihisa Naijo, Koh Fujimura, Akishige Murakami, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yoshinori Okada
  • Publication number: 20120134004
    Abstract: An electrochromic layer structure with at least one active layer and at least two electrodes is described. At least one of the electrodes has an electrically conductive network of conductor tracks and the conductor tracks contain nanoparticles. An electrochromic device, a method for production of an electrochromic layer structure and use of an electrochromic layer structure and an electrochromic device are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Melcher, Philippe Letocart, Emily Bressand, Jean-Christophe Giron
  • Publication number: 20120113496
    Abstract: An electrochromic element includes a pair of transparent electrodes, and an electrolyte layer and an electrochromic layer disposed between the pair of transparent electrodes. Transmittance of light is changed by a voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes. The electrochromic layer includes a first electrochromic layer and a second electrochromic layer stacked upon each other. Both of the first and second electrochromic layers are made of titanium oxide. The first electrochromic layer is in contact with one of the pair of transparent electrodes. The second electrochromic layer is in contact with an electrolyte-layer side of the first electrochromic layer. A refractive index n0 of the transparent electrode in contact with the first electrochromic layer, a refractive index n1 of the first electrochromic layer, and a refractive index n2 of the second electrochromic layer satisfy the relationship n0<n1<n2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Miki Ueda, Shinjiro Okada, Masaaki Shibata
  • Publication number: 20120105933
    Abstract: There is provided a composition for electrochromic devices which clearly present only two states, a white-colored state and a decolored state. The composition for electrochromic devices contains (A) a specific quaternary ammonium salt, (B) a supporting electrolyte containing bromide ion, and (C) a solvent containing water as an essential component, and (A) is soluble in (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicants: JNC CORPORATION, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION CHIBA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi HOSHINO, Yosuke Oikawa, Mai Ando, Ryota Nakajima, Katsuyuki Murashiro, Toshiki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8169684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Spencer D. Reese
  • Publication number: 20120062976
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Publication number: 20120019889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochromic device having at least one active area (CDEF), having, on a carrier substrate (3), a multilayer stack comprising a layer forming a lower electrode (4), various functional layers (7) at least one of which is an electrochromic layer, at least one (6, 7a) of these layers being electrically insulating, and an upper electrode (9), in which device: at least one partition (5) separating the surface of the lower electrode (4) into two isolated regions, namely a free region (4a) and an active region (4b) containing the active area (CDEF); and at least one partition (12) separating the surface of the upper electrode (9) into two regions electrically isolated from each other, namely a free region (9a) and an active region (9b) containing the active area (CDEF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SAINT- GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Driss Lamine, Emmanuel Valentin, Samuel Dubrenat
  • Patent number: 8102585
    Abstract: Glazing assembly, comprising in succession: a first rigid substrate (S1), a second rigid substrate (S2), at least one active system (3) comprising at least one film and placed between the substrates (S1 and S2), at least one polymer film (f1) having the function of retaining fragments of the glazing assembly should it break, the said film being placed between the substrate (S1) and the substrate (S2), characterized in that the active system (3) is on the inner face (2) of the substrate (S1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Giron, Juergen Schuett, Xavier Fanton, Fabien Beteille
  • Publication number: 20110317241
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror element including a front element having a first front surface and a second rear surface. A cross-section of the second rear surface defines a first line. A rear element includes a third front surface and a fourth rear surface. Electrochromic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A spotter optic is located in the second rear surface of the front element. A cross-section of the spotter optic defines a second line. A transition region is disposed between the spotter optic and the second rear surface of the front element. A distance from a surface of the transition region to an intersection of the first line and the second line is between about 0.001 mm and 0.034 mm. At least a portion of the spotter optic includes a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the first front surface includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being smaller than the second radius of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Brian J. Steenwyk, Michael L. McLarty, Randall S. Braun
  • Publication number: 20110181938
    Abstract: Formulations are used in organically based electrochromic components, e.g. for producing displays and/or state indicators having a longer service life. The service life is increased by end-capping the 4,4?-bipyridinium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Kanitz, Wolfgang Roth
  • Patent number: 7978393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 7957048
    Abstract: A display device includes an upper substrate and a lower substrate. Black matrixes are formed upon the upper substrate and color filters are formed between the black matrixes. Microshutter electrodes are formed upon the lower substrate and are configured to open and close. The display device also includes fixed electrodes formed in a vertical direction between the upper substrate and the lower substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae-Hyuk Chang, Seong-Sik Shin, Nam-Seok Roh, Jun-Bo Yoon, Kyung-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7952785
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of electrochromic devices (10) includes the steps of providing a first and second sheet including a first (22) and second (24) plastic substrate, respectively, at least partially coated with a first (12) and second (14) electron conducting layer, respectively. The first sheet is at least partially coated with a first electrochromic layer (16). The second sheet is at least partially coated with a counter electrode layer (18). The first and second sheets are laminated with an electrolyte layer (20) interposed in-between into an electrochromic laminate sheet (30). The electrochromic device is at least partially defined by forming a seal (50) through the electrochromic laminate sheet (30) at a distance (D) from a peripheral edge (31). The distance (D) is preferably larger than the mean diffusion lengths of oxygen, water or an electrolyte component in the electrolyte during a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Chromogenics Sweden AB
    Inventors: Richard Karmhag, Greger Gustavsson, Claes Goran Granqvist, Andris Azens
  • Patent number: 7869113
    Abstract: Provided is a display device using electrochromism and methods of driving the same. The display device may include an electrochromic device, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to upper electrodes of the electrochromic device, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to lower electrodes of the electrochromic device. By short-circuiting the first electrode and the second electrode, a desired pixel changes to reveal a predetermined or given color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaeeun Jang, Seungnam Cha, Jaeeun Jung, Yongwan Jin
  • Patent number: 7864400
    Abstract: A mirror element comprising a front element, a rear element, electrochromic material therebetween, and a spotter optic located at the rear surface of the front element. At least a portion of the spotter optic has a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the front surface of the front element has a greater second radius of curvature. A line perpendicular to the front surface extends through both the electrochromic material and the spotter optic. A first electrode coating and a second electrode coating are activated to activate the electrochromic material in order to dim a reflection off of the mirror element. A reflective coating of the spotter optic can form a portion of the first electrode coating. The first electrode coating and the reflective coating can overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Brian J. Steenwyk, Michael L. McLarty, Randall S. Braun
  • Patent number: 7830583
    Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second substrate in spaced-apart relationship to the first substrate and having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon application of an electric field thereto. The electrochromic element further comprises a transparent electrode layer covering at least a portion of at least a select one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, wherein the transparent electrode layer comprises an insulator/metal/insulator stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Scott W. Vander Zwaag
  • Patent number: 7791784
    Abstract: Electrically controllable device having variable optical/energy properties in transmission or in reflection, comprising at least one carrier substrate provided with a stack of electrochromically functional layers, including at least two electrochromic active layers, separated by an electrolyte, the said stack being placed between two current leads, namely the lower current lead and the upper current lead respectively (“lower” corresponding to the current lead closest to the carrier substrate, as opposed to the “upper” current lead that is furthest from the said substrate), characterized in that the stack of functional layers is joined to at least one polymer film, the percentage shrinkage of which is between 0.6 and 2.0% and preferably between 0.8 and 1.5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Giron, Uwe Van Der Meulen, Franz Beck, David Pender
  • Publication number: 20100202035
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a carbon nano-structured electrode layer disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the second substrate, an electrochromic layer disposed on the second electrode, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Ho NOH, Seon-Mi YOON, Jae-Young CHOI
  • Patent number: 7763186
    Abstract: Substantially pure ionic liquids and ionic liquid precursors were prepared. The substantially pure ionic liquid precursors were used to prepare substantially pure ionic liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony K. Burrell, Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McCleskey, Anoop Agrawal
  • Patent number: 7761053
    Abstract: The emittance value is a measure of an amount of energy expelled from a given surface area relative to a black-body reference. Depending on the specific coating a change in the emittance value is actively or passively effected. There are known active variable emittance thermal control coatings. However, such coatings are actually panels housing a mixture of both high and low emissivity materials that are electrically manipulated to control the emittance value of the panel. These “coatings” are classified as either electrochromic or electrophorectic. Both electrochromic and electrophorectic coatings require an applied voltage to cause a change in the emittance value of the coating. By contrast, aspects of the present invention do not include active variable emittance thermal control coatings. Aspects of the present invention do include passive variable emittance thermal control coatings and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: MPB Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Roman V. Kruzelecky, Emile Haddad, Brian Wong, Wes R. Jamroz
  • Patent number: 7719751
    Abstract: A window assembly comprises a first conductive material layer, an electrochromic stack, a second conductive material layer and a seal. The first conductive material layer is formed on a substrate and comprises at least two zones electrically isolated from each other. The electrochromic stack is formed on a first selected zone of the first conductive material layer to overlap an edge of a second selected zone of the first conductive material layer. The second conductive material layer is formed on the electrochromic stack to overlap an edge of the second selected zone. A first bus bar is formed on the second selected zone to be within a sealed volume of the window assembly. A second bus bar is formed on the first selected zone to be outside the seal volume of the window assembly. The seal defines the sealed volume of the window assembly and seals the window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Soladigm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Egerton, Drew Gaskell
  • Publication number: 20100110522
    Abstract: Provided is a display device using electrochromism and methods of driving the same. The display device may include an electrochromic device, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to upper electrodes of the electrochromic device, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to lower electrodes of the electrochromic device. By short-circuiting the first electrode and the second electrode, a desired pixel changes to reveal a predetermined or given color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Jaeeun Jang, Seungnam Cha, Jaeeun Jung, Yongwan Jin
  • Publication number: 20100079844
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a single cavity Fabry-Pérot filter in which the metal conductive layers forming the cavity are sandwiched by conductive dielectric layers. Another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a dual-cavity Fabry-Pérot filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Eric W. Kurman, Roger M. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7656571
    Abstract: Radiation from an illumination source (102) is directed to a total internal reflector (TIR) modulator (10). The modulator includes a an electro-optic member (213) with a plurality of individually addressable pixel regions (210) comprised of a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first and second set. At least one electrode of the first set is adjacent to at least one electrode of the second set and at least one of the pixel regions is controlled to form at least one image pixel on a surface. A first electric potential is imposed on the first set of electrodes selected from a first predetermined group of electric potential values. A second electric potential is imposed on the second set of electrodes selected from a second predetermined group of electric potential values. The first and second predetermined groups of electric potential values together comprise at least three different electric potential values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Meritt W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7655363
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for solving mask precipitated defect issue. A gas is purged into a photomask reticle assembly for diffusing precipitated defects out of a photomask in the photomask reticle assembly. A metal shielding assembly enclosing the photomask reticle assembly is provided for reducing precipitated defects and damages to the photomask. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal shielding assembly comprises an upper metal shielding, a pellicle frame of the photomask reticle assembly, side support frames of the photomask reticle assembly, a top cover, a handle, and a handle cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Dai
  • Patent number: 7609434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrode of an electrochromic display. The method includes, prior to forming a porous nanoelectrode, forming a barrier rib for separating an electrolyte using a photosensitive paste as a material for the barrier rib, in which the photosensitive paste enables formation of patterns through a photolithographic process and maintains its shape at 450° C. to 500° C. The use of the electrode enables fabrication of an electrochromic display that is capable of preventing cross-talk between pixels and has advantages of fast response speed, prolonged lifespan upon repeated use and improved electrochromism, when compared to the case of metal oxide electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Shik Shim, In Seo Kee, Ick Hwan Ko, Young Gu Lee