Liquid Cell Patents (Class 359/272)
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Patent number: 7630116Abstract: An ion conductor has fine particles of an organic polymer including 20 to 80% by mass of ultra-fine particles of an inorganic compound, and an electrolytic solution impregnated into the fine particles of the organic polymer, wherein the fine particles of the organic polymer have a specific surface area measured by the BET method of 30 m2/g or more.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Michiya Nakashima, Toshihiro Ebine, Kazunari Kawai, Naohito Saito
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Patent number: 7586664Abstract: An electrochromic switchable transparency, e.g. a window and/or a mirror includes an electrochromic switchable medium between a pair of electrode assemblies. At least one of the electrode assemblies is transparent to visible light and includes an electrode over a surface. In one nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the electrode has two electrically conducting layers and a bridging layer between and interconnecting the two electrically conducting layers. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bridging layer includes a high electrically resistance connecting layer to provide the electrode with a heating layer to heat the surface and/or a current conducting layer to pass current to the medium. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the bridging layer includes an electrically connecting layer to pass current to electrically enhance the first electrically conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Dennis J. O'Shaughnessy
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Patent number: 7583426Abstract: A display is disclosed, which can be fabricated without a high-temperature process, and also realize color images, the display including a reflective electrode formed on a flexible substrate; a transparent insulation layer having a predetermined color formed on a surface of the flexible substrate including the reflective electrode; an opposite substrate formed in opposition to the flexible substrate; an opposite electrode and a black matrix formed on an inner surface of the opposite substrate; and an electrolytic layer and a nonelectrolytic layer formed between the flexible substrate and the opposite substrate, where the electrolytic layer is transparent, and the nonelectrolytic layer is nontransparent.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kwang Hoon Shin
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Publication number: 20090103162Abstract: Electrolyte solutions for electrochromic devices such as rear view mirrors and displays with low leakage currents are prepared using inexpensive, low conductivity conductors. Preferred electrolytes include bifunctional redox dyes and molten salt solvents with enhanced stability toward ultraviolet radiation. The solvents include lithium or quaternary ammonium cations, and perfluorinated sulfonylimide anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF3SO3?), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3SO2)2N?), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3CF2SO2)2N?) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF3SO2)3C?). Electroluminescent, electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices with nanostructured electrodes include ionic liquids with bifunctional redox dyes. Some of the electrolyte solutions color to red when devices employing the solutions are powered, leading to red or neutral electrooptic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Anthony K. Burrell, Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Juan C.L. Tonazzi, Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McCleskey
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Patent number: 7457027Abstract: This invention discloses methods to dispense adhesives for fabricating electrooptic devices. In addition the invention also discloses on how the cavities of these electrooptic devices may be filled using detachable tabs. The Electrooptic devices of this invention may comprise liquid or solid electrolytes.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: ElectroChromix, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. LeCompte, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi
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Patent number: 7450293Abstract: Electrochromic salts. Electrochromic salts of dicationic viologens such as methyl viologen and benzyl viologen associated with anions selected from bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide are produced by metathesis with the corresponding viologen dihalide. They are highly soluble in molten quarternary ammonium salts and together with a suitable reductant provide electrolyte solutions that are used in electrochromic windows.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Anthony K. Burrell, Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McClesky
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Patent number: 7436570Abstract: Electrochromic salts. Electrochromic salts of dicationic viologens such as methyl viologen and benzyl viologen associated with anions selected from bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide are produced by metathesis with the corresponding viologen dihalide. They are highly soluble in molten quarternary ammonium salts and together with a suitable reductant provide electrolyte solutions that are used in electrochromic windows.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Anthony K. Burrell, Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McClesky
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Patent number: 7431518Abstract: An optical device and a lens unit each include a liquid container containing an insulating liquid and an electroconductive liquid which are mutually immiscible and optically transparent and have different refractive indices. The optical device and the lens unit also have a gas-absorbing material in or around the liquid container. The gas-absorbing material absorbs gas generated by energization. The optical device and the lens unit can maintain their optical characteristics even if voltage is repeatedly applied. An imaging apparatus includes an optical shooting system having the optical device. The imaging apparatus takes pictures by capturing object light coming through the optical shooting system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignees: FUJIFILM Corporation, FUJINON CorporationInventors: Takashi Kato, Tetsuya Ohtsuka, Hitoshi Miyano
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Patent number: 7430370Abstract: An optical element and a lens unit each includes: a liquid container transmitting light at least in a predetermined optical axis direction, the liquid container containing an insulating liquid and an ionic liquid being mutually immiscible and optically transparent, and having different refractive indices; a first electrode contacting the ionic liquid in the liquid container; and a second electrode insulated from the ionic liquid in the liquid container. The ionic fluid is not subject to electrolysis and does not evaporate easily even at high temperature. Accordingly, the optical element, the lens unit and an image taking apparatus having the optical element can maintain high light-transmission and optical characteristics over a long period even in a high temperature environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignees: Fujinon Corporation, FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takashi Kato, Tomonori Masuda, Hitoshi Miyano
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Patent number: 7349144Abstract: An exterior electrochromic reflective mirror element for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. The electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film contacts a transparent conductive layer of the first substrate and a conductive layer comprising a metallic reflective layer of the second substrate. A visual indicator display is disposed to the rear of said second substrate and is part of a blind spot detection and display system and is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection of another overtaking vehicle in a side lane. Light emitted by the visual indicator display passes through the second substrate, through the electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film and through the first substrate to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle equipped with the exterior electochromic reflective mirror element.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtao Zhao, Craig Allen Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Niall R. Lynam, Pierr-Marc Allemand
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Patent number: 7327509Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochromic mirror, comprising a transparent substrate; an electrochromic film that develops color reductively having the transparent substrate on or above the surface thereof; a light-reflecting film allowing transmission of hydrogen or lithium atoms formed on the side of the electrochromic film opposite to the transparent substrate; a substrate having an electrically conductive area at least on one surface facing the light-reflecting film; and an electrolyte solution at least containing a hydrogen ion and an oxidizable material containing neutral molecules or negative ions and that is sealed between the light-reflecting film and the conductive area of the substrate; wherein (i) the light-reflecting film has electrical conductivity, or (ii) a transparent electrode film having electrical conductivity is formed between the transparent substrate and the electrochromic film, further comprising a dielectric film having a hydrogen or lithium ion conductivity formed between theType: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Junichi Nakaho
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Patent number: 7307672Abstract: In a 2D/3D display, a switchable lenticular array having foci which can be switched in a continuous way between first focal strength and a second focal strength is provided. The switchable lenticular array comprises fluid cylindrical lens portions, while the foci can be controlled by electrowetting.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Bokke Johannes Feenstra, Gerjan Franciscus Arthur Van De Walle, Menno Willem Jose Prins
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Patent number: 7274416Abstract: A subtractive display device comprising picture elements having sub-pixels, each sub-pixel comprising a stack of switchable layers (5,25) or components and a color filter part (21).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Bokke Johannes Feenstra, Robert Andrew Hayes, Lucas Josef Maria Schlangen
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Patent number: 7265891Abstract: An electrochromic device is prepared by forming multiple layers of selected materials on a substrate in a vacuum processing chamber. A first of these layers is an electrode layer deposited directly on the substrate and used for making contact to a subsequently deposited precursor film, preferably tungsten oxide, from which an electrochromic layer is formed by lithium loading in the presence of ionized nitrogen. This not only forms the electrochromic layer by diffusion of the lithium into the tungsten oxide, but also forms a thin lithium nitride ion transfer layer on the then exposed surface. Subsequently, a lithium fluoro-nitride electrolyte layer is formed on the ion transfer layer by evaporation from a lithium fluoride source in the presence of ionized nitrogen. An ion storage layer, which may be a vanadium oxide and a transparent second electrode layer are subsequently vacuum deposited.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Eclipse Energy SystemsInventor: Hulya Demiryont
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Patent number: 7259815Abstract: A two-way trans-reflective display pixel (100) having two viewable sides (102, 104) is disclosed. The two-way trans-reflective display pixel has a first transparent layer (106), a second transparent layer (108), and light modulating medium (110) sandwiched between them. Both the first and second transparent layers (106, 108) have light reflectors (132, 136) and light absorbers (130, 134), which allow light entering from either viewable sides (102, 104) to partially reflected, partially absorbed, and partially transmitted, allowing an image to be viewable from both viewable sides (102, 104). A two-way trans-reflective display (402) comprising a plurality of two-way trans-reflective display pixels (100) and a transparent light source (412) is also disclosed. The transparent light source (412) provides color light, and enables an image from the two-way trans-reflective display (402) to be viewable in color from both first and second viewable sizes (418, 602).Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Motorola Inc.Inventors: Sen Yang, Robert B. Akins, Robert D Polak, Zhiming Zhuang
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Patent number: 7193764Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reversible electrodeposition device comprising: a first substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a nucleation layer at least partially covering at least one of the electrically conductive materials of the first and second substrates; an electrochemical medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Rongguang Lin, David Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 7180649Abstract: A display comprises spaced first and second electrodes, and a plurality of electrochromic nanoparticles disposed between the electrodes, each of the nanoparticles having an electron-rich state and an electron-depleted state, the two states differing in at least one optical characteristic. Upon injection of charge from one of the electrodes, the nanoparticles switch between their electron-rich and electron-depleted states, thus changing an optical characteristic of the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Ian D. Morrison, Joseph M. Jacobson
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Patent number: 7158276Abstract: A pressure sensitive electrochromic device at least comprises a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite; a pressure sensitive layer disposed on the first substrate; an electrochromic layer disposed on the pressure sensitive layer; and a third conductive layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second substrate. The pressure sensitive layer includes a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate; an insulative layer in which numerous conductive grains are distributed; and a second conductive layer disposed on the insulative layer. Also, at least one of the first and second substrates is made of the flexible material. An external circuit is applied for connecting the first and third conductive layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Daxon Technology Inc.Inventors: Chen Peng, Pei-Yih Liu, Fung-Hsu Wu
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Patent number: 7119937Abstract: Electrolyte solutions for electrochromic devices such as rear view mirrors and displays with low leakage currents are prepared using inexpensive, low conductivity conductors. Preferred electrolytes include bifunctional redox dyes and molten salt solvents with enhanced stability toward ultraviolet radiation. The solvents include lithium or quaternary ammonium cations, and perfluorinated sulfonylimide anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF3SO3?), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3SO2)2N?), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3CF2SO2)2N?) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF3SO2)3C?). Electroluminescent, electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices with nanostructured electrodes include ionic liquids with bifunctional redox dyes.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McCleskey, Anthony K. Burrell
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Patent number: 7115513Abstract: A method for forming uniform, sharply defined periodic regions of reversed polarization within a unidirectionally polarized ferroelectric material proceeds as a two-step process. First, alignment keys are formed on upper and lower planar surfaces of a unidirectionally polarized ferroelectric material by producing a spaced pair of alignment key shaped domain reversed regions and etching alignment key shaped notches in the upper and lower surfaces where the domain reversed regions intersect the surface planes. These notches, being vertically aligned between the upper and lower surfaces, are then used to align photomasks over a surface coating of photoresist formed directly on the material surface or on SiO2 layers coating the material surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: HC Photonics CorporationInventors: Tsung Yuan Chiang, Tze-Chia Lin, Benny Sher, Ming-Hsien Chou
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Patent number: 7046418Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reversible electrodeposition device comprising: a first substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a nucleation layer at least partially covering at least one of the electrically conductive materials of the first and second substrates; an electrochemical medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: at least one solvent; an anodic electroactive material; and cathodic electroactive material; and compositions and/or concentrations associated with the electrochemical medium which enhances the electrochemical performance of the electrodeposition device.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Rongguang Lin, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 7042617Abstract: Optical devices utilizing flakes (also called platelets) suspended in a host fluid have optical characteristics, such as reflective properties, which are angular dependent in response to an AC field. The reflectivity may be Bragg-like, and the characteristics are obtained through the use of flakes of liquid crystal material, such as polymer liquid crystal (PLC) materials including polymer cholesteric liquid crystal (PCLC) and polymer nematic liquid crystal (PNLC) material or birefringent polymers (BP). The host fluid may be propylene carbonate, poly(ethylene glycol) or other fluids or fluid mixtures having fluid conductivity to support conductivity in the flake/host system. AC field dependent rotation of 90° can be obtained at rates and field intensities dependent upon the frequency and magnitude of the AC field. The devices are useful in providing displays, polarizers, filters, spatial light modulators and wherever switchable polarizing, reflecting, and transmission properties are desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: The University of RochesterInventors: Tanya Z. Kosc, Kenneth L. Marshall, Stephen D. Jacobs
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Patent number: 7031044Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kathy E. Roberts, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 7001540Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising: at least one solvent; a cathodic electroactive material; an anodic electroactive material; wherein at least one of the cathodic and anodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and a self-healing cross-linked polymer gel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 7002723Abstract: In a display device, a first electrode and a second electrode are mounted on a first substrate, a second substrate is arranged to face the first substrate with a gap provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a third electrode is mounted on the second substrate. A first layer is formed in a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate at the side of the first substrate and containing a ECL material that emits light due to electrochemical oxidation or reduction. A second layer is formed in the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate at the side of the second substrate and containing a EC material having the color changed due to electrochemical oxidation or reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shintaro Enomoto, Shuichi Uchikoga, Isao Amemiya, Yutaka Nakai
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Patent number: 6995893Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device, a method of manufacturing an electro-optical device, an apparatus for manufacturing an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus, in which, in the electro-optical device, a gap formed between two substrates functioning as constituent elements thereof or the thickness of an adhesive layer, which adheres the two substrates to each other, can be precisely controlled. The electro-optical device has at least a substrate and a sealing substrate which is adhered to the substrate and which is composed of a transparent plate member, in which the substrate and the sealing substrate are adhered to each other with an adhesive layer provided therebetween so as to form a gap therebetween; measurement surfaces, used to measure the thickness of the adhesive layer, are provided in the gap; and on the measurement surfaces, an adhesive is not provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hidekazu Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6963439Abstract: An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for a vehicle includes a front element and a rear element. A seal is provided to sealably bond the elements together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electrochromic material is disposed in the chamber. The seal comprises an epoxy resin cured with a cycloaliphatic amine. The cycloaliphatic amine may be a bis(cycloaliphatic) amine, or more specifically, bis(aminocyclohexyl) methane (PACM). The epoxy resin may be an epoxy novolac resin such as an epoxy phenolic novolac (e.g., DEN431) or an epoxy cresol novolac resin, a bisphenol A epoxy resin, a bisphenol F epoxy resin, a tetraglycidyl methylenebisbenzenamine, or a glycidyl benzenamine.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventor: William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6879425Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring the density and/or the level (L) of a filling material in a container. A transmitting unit which emits radioactive radiation and a receiving unit which is arranged in such a way that it receives the radioactive radiation or the secondary radiation that is produced by the interaction of the radioactive radiation with the filling material are provided. A regulating/evaluating unit which determines the density and/or the level of the filling material in the container using the measuring data that is supplied by the receiving unit is also provided. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which enables the level or the density of a filling material in a container to be measured reliably. To this end, the receiving unit consists of individual detector units.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Damm, Joachim Neuhaus, Wolfgang Kämereit
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Patent number: 6879424Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and to a display device having the composition positioned between electrodes. The composition contains: (a) a compound that undergoes a reversible redox reaction to generate a pH gradient between the two electrodes, (b) an indicator dye, (c) a charge transport material, and optionally, (d) a matrix material and (e) an opacifier, and (f) secondary redox couple wherein components (a), (b), and (c) are different from one another and the standard reduction potential of component (a) is less than the standard reduction potential for the other components. Depending on the electric field present between the electrodes, a display image may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Aveso, Inc.Inventors: John B. Vincent, Susan J. Babinec, Daniel L. Dermody, Yu Chen
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Patent number: 6876477Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: (1) a solvent; (2) a cathodic electroactive material; (3) an anodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and (4) a color-stabilizing additive, wherein the color-stabilizing additive is electroactive within a normal operating voltage of the electrochromic device; and (d) means associated with the color-stabilizing additive for maintaining an at least nearly colorless electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in an open circuit and/or zero potential state relative to the same device without the color-stabilizing additive.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeffrey R. Lomprey, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6871967Abstract: A solid type EC element having a substrate; a lower electrode layer formed on the substrate; an EC layer formed on the lower electrode layer; and an upper electrode layer formed on the EC layer is disclosed in which coloring regions having a complicated shape can easily be applied, and a phenomenon of blurred color occurring around coloring regions can be prevented. The lower electrode layer is divided by one or more parting lines non-linearly formed along the outline of a desired coloring region so as to surround the coloring region into a portion for forming a coloring region including the coloring region and a portion for not forming a coloring region not including the coloring region in the state the portion for forming a coloring region and the portion for not forming a coloring region are not conducted to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Akihiko Fukazawa
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Patent number: 6870657Abstract: This invention concerns an electochromic device comprising an electrode including a nanostructured metal oxide film, doped to metallic levels of conductivity and optionally modified by chemisorption of an electroactive compound. Such an electrochromic device is suitable for applications where optical modulation is required, such as large area static displays and automatically dimmable rear-view mirrors. The invention also concerns conducting nanostructured metal oxide films and electrodes comprising same and which are suitable for use in the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: University College DublinInventors: Donald Fitzmaurice, David Cummins, David Corr, S. Nagaraja Rao, Gerrit Boschloo
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Patent number: 6867894Abstract: A conventional electrochromic mirror comprises an ion conductive layer provided between a transparent electrically conductive substrate and a reflective electrically conductive substrate and containing spacers. The spacers can be perceived when the mirror was viewed. According to the present invention, the difference in refraction index between the spacers and the ion conductive layer is ±0.03 or less. Therefore, the electrochromic mirror having spacers in the ion conductive layer which are hardly perceived can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignees: Nippon Oil Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventors: Tsuyoshi Asano, Keizo Ikai, Yoshinori Nishikitani
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Patent number: 6861014Abstract: An electrochromic system having a first electrode disposed on a transparent or translucent substrate, a second electrode, an electrolyte, an electron donor in solution in the electrolyte, and a nanoporous-nanocrystalline film. The nanoporous-nanocrystalline film has a semiconducting metallic oxide with a redox chromophore adsorbed thereto, intermediate the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: University College DublinInventors: Donald Fitzmaurice, S. Rao Nagaraja, Rachel Cinnsealach, Brendan Enright
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Patent number: 6862129Abstract: An electrophotographic display includes a plurality of microcapsules each encapsulating therein an insulating liquid and a plurality of charged electrophoretic particles dispersed in the insulating liquid, a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich the plurality of microcapsules, and a plurality of electrodes capable of being supplied with a voltage. A voltage is applied between the plurality of electrodes to move the charged electrophoretic particles between a first internal wall portion of each microcapsule an external surface of which contacts the first substrate and a second internal wall portion of each microcapsule an external surface of which is substantially out of contact with both the first and second substrate, thereby to switch a display state.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yojiro Matsuda, Hiroshi Matsuda
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Patent number: 6862125Abstract: A single-compartment reversible mirror device having a solution of aprotic molten salt, at least one soluble metal-containing species comprising metal capable of being electrodeposited, and at least one anodic compound capable of being oxidized was prepared. The aprotic molten salt is liquid at room temperature and includes lithium and/or quaternary ammonium cations, and anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF3SO3?), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3SO2)2N?), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3CF2SO2)2N?) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF3SO2)3C?). A method for preparing substantially pure molten salts is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Benjamin P. Warner, T. Mark McCleskey, Anthony K. Burrell, Simon B. Hall
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Publication number: 20040252358Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element including at least; two substrates oppositely arranged; a liquid disposed between the facing surfaces of the substrates; and a chargeable polymer disposed between the facing surfaces of the substrates for swelling or contracting by absorbing or releasing the liquid when an electric field is applied, whereinType: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Kawahara, Masahiro Moriyama, Ryojiro Akashi
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Patent number: 6829075Abstract: Composite or layered flakes having a plurality of layers of different materials, which may be dielectric materials, conductive materials, or liquid crystalline materials suspended in a fluid host and subjected to an electric field, provide optical effects dependent upon the angle or orientation of the flakes in the applied electric field. The optical effects depend upon the composition and thickness of the layers, producing reflectance, interference, additive and/or subtractive color effects. The composition of layered flakes may also be selected to enhance and/or alter the dielectric properties of flakes, whereby flake motion in an electric field is also enhanced and/or altered. The devices are useful as active electro-optical displays, polarizers, filters, light modulators, and wherever controllable polarizing, reflecting and transmissive optical properties are desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: The University of RochesterInventors: Tanya Z. Kosc, Kenneth L. Marshall, Stephen D. Jacobs
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Patent number: 6819467Abstract: A glazing/window assembly with reduced ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmission may include at least a pair of glass panels or other elements confining an electrochromic medium therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation reducing material is incorporated for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmission through the assembly. The ultraviolet radiation reducing material comprises at least one of an ultraviolet absorber, an ultraviolet absorbing polymer, and an ultraviolet absorbing glass. At least one of a laminated glass panel, tempered glass panel and a polymeric layer is provided to prevent injury upon impact to the assembly. A color tint may be included in the assembly to provide a tint to transmitted light.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6816290Abstract: An image display device including a polarization selective holographic optical device for diffracting illuminating light, and a reflection type spatial optical modulator for modulating the state of polarization of the illuminating light diffracted by the polarization selective holographic optical device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of each of two areas of respectively different incidence polarization orientation dependencies of the refractive index, with the layers being layered sequentially alternately. An image display apparatus including the above image display device, a light source, an illuminating optical system and a projection optical system is also disclosed. With the present optical display device and optical display apparatus, the utilization efficiency of the illuminating light may be improved, while the device and the apparatus may be reduced in size and production cost, as uniformity and high contrast of the image displayed are achieved simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Mukawa
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Patent number: 6816298Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises an ion conduction layer between two conducting substrates, at least one of which is transparent. The ion conduction layer contains an organic compounds, which has both a structure exhibiting a cathodic electrochromic characteristic and a structure exhibiting an anodic electrochromic characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Nishikitani, Keizo Iaki, Masaaki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Imafuku, Masaki Minami, Takaya Kubo
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Patent number: 6801352Abstract: An electrodeposition display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, walls for sealing off the substrates, plating liquid sealed in between the substrates so as to form a cell, a first electrode disposed on at least a part of the first substrate, and a second electrode disposed within the cell. Display is performed by applying signals corresponding to image information to the first electrode and the second electrode, so as to change the state thereof to a state wherein electrodeposition of metal has occurred on at least part of the first electrode, and a state wherein at least a part of metal on the first electrode has become disassociated.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Okura, Tohru Den
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Patent number: 6789362Abstract: A window is made from similar panes of glass that have a space therebetween. Side edges of the panes are sealed. Top and bottom edges of the panes form a top slot and a bottom slot, respectively. The top slot is disposed within a top well that is connected through passageways to a pair of top air chambers that each have a heater therein. When an aqueous solution is in the top well and the top chambers are heated, the aqueous solution is forced through the top slot the space between the panes. The bottom slot is disposed within a bottom well that is connected through passageways to a pair of bottom air chambers that each have a heater therein. When the aqueous solution is in the bottom well and the bottom chambers are heated, the aqueous solution is forced through the bottom slot the space between the panes.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Iradj Hessabi
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Patent number: 6767481Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Horst Berneth, Serguei Kostromine
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Patent number: 6755993Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: University College DublinInventors: Donald Fitzmaurice, S. Rao Nagaraja, Rachel Cinnsealach, Brendan Enright
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Patent number: 6753990Abstract: A holographic display comprises a light source and an Electrically Addressable Spatial Light Modulator (EASLM) 1 in the path of the light source. A light guide is arranged to guide light from the EASLM to each of a set of tiled regions of a OASLM in turn. The Optically Addressable Spatial Light Modulator (OASLM) 8 has a monostable light modulation property which is changed from a first state to a second state by incident light.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Holographic Imaging LLCInventors: Douglas Payne, Christopher W. Slinger
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Patent number: 6714334Abstract: An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for a vehicle includes a front element and a rear element. A seal is provided to sealably bond the elements together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electrochromic material is disposed in the chamber. The seal comprises an epoxy resin cured with a cycloaliphatic amine. The cycloaliphatic amine may be a bis(cycloaliphatic) amine, or more specifically, bis(aminocyclohexyl) methane (PACM). The epoxy resin may be an epoxy novolac resin such as an epoxy phenolic novolac (e.g., DEN431) or an epoxy cresyl novolac resin, a bisphenol A epoxy resin, a bisphenol F epoxy resin, a tetraglycidyl methylenebisbenzenamine, or a glycidyl benzenamine.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventor: William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6697185Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: (1) a solvent; (2) a cathodic electroactive material; (3) an anodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and (4) a color-stabilizing additive, wherein the color-stabilizing additive is electroactive within a normal operating voltage of the electrochromic device; and (d) means associated with the color-stabilizing additive for maintaining an at least nearly colorless electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in an open circuit and/or zero potential state relative to the same device without the color-stabilizing additive.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeffrey R. Lomprey, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6665108Abstract: A system for the production of a dynamic image for use in display applications includes a light source (16) which travels via a liquid crystal modulator (18) placed in the path of the light source (16). The output of the LC modulator (18) passes modulated light a lens ray (22) which itself guides light to an optically addressed spatial light modulator (24). The resulting real image from the optically addressed spatial light modulator (24) may be used in two dimensional and three dimensional displays. The addressing frame-rate of the liquid crystal modulator (18) is substantially greater than the frame-rate of the optically addressed spatial light modulator (24).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Holographic Imaging LLCInventors: Carl V Brown, Maurice Stanley
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Patent number: 6661559Abstract: Electrochromic compositions suitable for use in electrochromic media in electrochromic devices contain minimally two electrochromic compounds of the same redox type, whose redox potentials are greater than 30 mV. The lower redox potential electrochromic compounds makes a large contribution to the absorbancy of the electrochromic medium despite being present in only minor concentration.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Harlan J. Byker, Thomas F. Guarr, Derick D. Winkle