Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A method for forming an electrochromic material includes the steps of (a) forming a transparent conductive film on a transparent substrate, (b) forming a metal film on the transparent conductive film by electroless plating, and (c) oxidizing the metal film to form a metal oxide film, which exhibits electrochromic characteristics on the transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A matrix display (20) comprises pixels based on switching elements (30) which comprise a switchable layer which can be switched from one chemical state to another, the optical properties of said chemical states being different. Voltage-limiting devices (41, 42) preventing pixel degradation are arranged on the switching elements (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochromic window assembly having coloration associated therewith. The assembly includes an electrochromic device defined by two transparent substrates defining a chamber therebetween, and an electrochromic medium including at least one dye contained within the chamber. At least one of the two substrates has a color. The at least one dye also has a color, which either coordinates with the color of the at least one substrate to produce a window assembly of a desired color, or which complements the color of the at least one substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a matrix addressable electrochromic display device comprising a top electrode structure comprising at least one transparent or semi-transparent and substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, a bottom electrode structure comprising at least one substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, wherein at least one of the top or bottom electrode structures comprises two or more of said electrodes and the top and bottom electrode structures are positioned to form at least two separate regions where the top electrodes are positioned above the bottom electrodes and between the top electrode structure and the bottom electrode structure is positioned an active layer comprising an electrolyte and an electrochromic material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An optical device includes an insulation layer formed on a lead electrode of an electrode, an electrode having an indium doped tin oxide in which indium/tin is 1.5 or less by the element ratio, an electrode having a laminate including an oxide layer in which indium is doped to tin and a tin oxide layer, and an electrode having conductive particles as a first layer, a polymeric layer as a second layer and a current collector as a third layer, and the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. A control device controls a driving current to an electrode in accordance with a temperature and a current supply supplies a current to an electrode for supplementing a dissolved portion of electrodeposited material. The optical device includes a polarization device which polarizes an electrode to an oxidation direction before electrodeposition on the electrode.

Abstract: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.

Abstract: A transparent resin laminate comprising a polycarbonate resin base material, an acrylic resin layer comprising an ultraviolet absorbent coated on at least one surface of said polycarbonate resin base material and a cured layer formed by coating a composition comprising polyorganosiloxane and a silicone-containing polymer ultraviolet absorbent on said acrylic resin layer and then curing, wherein a difference of linear expansion coefficient between said polycarbonate resin base material and said acrylic resin layer and a difference of linear expansion coefficient between said acrylic resin layer and said cured layer are 0/° C. to 5×10−5/° C., respectively and a molded article used the same.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: A solid type EC mirror with improved corrosion resistance of its reflecting metal film is provided. On one surface (i.e., rear surface as viewed from the side on which light is incident) of a glass substrate are successively laminated an ITO transparent electrode film and an EC device consisting of three layers of an anode compound film, a solid electrolyte film and a cathode compound film. On the surface thereof are further successively laminated a high reflecting metal material film and a high corrosion resistant metal film. Since the high reflecting metal material film is covered with the high corrosion resistant metal film, a corrosion prevention effect against corrosion by moisture permeating from outside is enhanced and an offset width of the EC mirror can be reduced and a range of effective field of view can be enlarged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising at least one solvent, an anodic material, a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, and an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a solublizing moiety which serves to increase solubility of the ultraviolet stabilizing material relative to the same without the solublizing moiety.

Abstract: Between each transparent pixel electrode driven by TFT as a drive device and a common electrode, a polymer layer located in contact with the transparent pixel electrode and electrically active to change in color by electrochemical oxidization or reduction and a polymeric solid electrolytic layer located in contact with the polymer layer and containing a coloring agent are interposed. since electrochemical oxidization or reduction brings about a color change, the contrast and the black concentration can be enhanced, and bronzing after long-time use does not occur.

Abstract: A method for producing a cell for an electrochromic mirror which comprises a step of applying a epoxy-based sealant containing beads by a method selected from the group consisting of dispensing or screen-printing on a predetermined position of the surface peripheral edge of at least one of two electrically conductive substrates; and a step of superposing the two substrates such that the width of the applied sealant is made 2 mm or less.

Abstract: An electrochromic anti-glare mirror is provided in which incorrect assembly can be prevented, assemblability can be improved, a number of work processes can be reduced, and costs can be reduced. The electrochromic anti-glare mirror includes an electrochromic layer which is provided at a rear surface side of a substrate glass, and in which an electrochromic film is nipped between a transparent conductive film and a reflective conductive film. By energizing the electrochromic film between the transparent conductive film and reflective conductive film, the electrochromic film is electrically made to color. Wires for electrochromic anti-glare for energizing the electrochromic film between the transparent conductive film and the reflective conductive film are printed on the printed circuit board. As a result, there is no need for complex work for installing and connecting cords as in conventional structures in which wires are cords.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic contrast plate which is either arranged as a discrete unit in front of the screen or is connected to the outer surface of the screen through a common sheet, consisting of a pair of transparent glass or plastic sheets which are provided, on one side each, with an electroconductive, transparent coating, and which are joined together on the sides of their conductive coating via a sealing ring, and in which the volume formed by the two sheets and the sealing ring is filled with an electrochromic medium, characterized in that the electrochromic medium is a liquid, a gel or a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: Coupling of anodic electrochromic compounds by a covalent bond or a bridge link which provides for electronic communication between the coupled electrochromic compounds results in coupled electrochromic compounds which exhibit greater stability as well as electrochromic activity that differs from the monomeric electrochromic compounds. Extension of the absorption spectrum into the near-infrared region of the spectrum is frequently observed. The coupled electrochromic compounds are highly suitable for use in electrochromic media used to produce electrochromic devices.

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

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

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: at least one solvent; an anodic material; a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is slow-diffusing; and an electron shuttle, wherein the electron shuttle serves to decrease switching time of the electrochromic device relative to the same without the electron shuttle.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes a security system for monitoring breakage of the electrochromic window assembly. Control circuitry is connected to the electrochromic window assembly for monitoring an electrical characteristic of one or more conductive coatings within the electrochromic window assembly, such as electrical resistance. Upon detecting a change in the electrical resistance, such as that caused by a break in one or more conductive coating, an alarm signal is generated and is sent to an alarm trigger circuit for activating an alarm. A method for monitoring penetration or breakage of an electrochromic window assembly is also provided, which method involves applying electrical activation to an electrochromic assembly and monitoring for a change in an electrical characteristic based on the applied electrical potential. Electrochromic window assemblies incorporating security alarm features in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful in automobile applications.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes a transparent conductive substrate, a reflective conductive substrate, and an ion conductive layer disposed between the transparent conductive substrate and reflective conductive substrate. A highly conductive layer is provided on a conductive surface of at least one of the conductive substrates on a portion of the surface near its peripheral edge. The highly conductive layer has a smaller resistance than the surface resistance of the conductive surface upon which it is disposed.

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

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

Abstract: 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 compound, which has both a structure exhibiting a cathodic electorchromic characteristic and a structure exhibiting an anodic electrochromic characteristic.

Abstract: An ion conductive material comprising a mixture of a solvent, a supporting electrolyte, and an ultraviolet absorber and alternatively a polymerizable monomer and having an ion conductivity at 25° C. of 1×10−7 or greater; the ultraviolet absorber being contained in the ion conductive material in such an amount that the transmissivity of electromagnetic rays having a wavelength from 300 to 360 nm and transmitting through an layer of the ion conductive material of 0.2 mm in thickness can be maintained 0.1% or below. The ion conductive material is suitable for use in various electrochromic devices.

Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element. The second electrode further includes a region in front of the light source that is at least partially transmissive.

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

Abstract: An electro-optical device is provided having an electro-optical panel and a case member, the electro-optical panel including a pair of substrates and a transparent member joined to at least one substrate of the pair of substrates, forming a structure which, in particular, allows the device to be made smaller and thinner, and the heat-dissipation capability to be increased in order to prevent overheating. A positioning section which accommodates one substrate of the pair of substrates, and which contacts an edge of the at least one substrate joined to the transparent member is provided in the case member accommodating the electro-optical panel.

Abstract: Electrochemical synthesis of conjugated polymers in ionic liquids, achievement of electroactivity and electrochroism of conjugated polymers in ionic liquids, and the use of the resulting conjugated polymers for the fabrication of electrochromic devices incorporating ionic liquids as electrolytes are described.

Abstract: Anodic electrochromic materials for use in an electrochromic device comprising a first moiety, wherein the first moiety comprises a metallocene or a substituted metallocene, and a second moiety, wherein the second moiety comprises at least one constituent which serves to increase the solubility of the first moiety in an associated solvent relative to solubility of the first moiety without the second moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glazing element for facing building facades or window systems, in particular for motor vehicles, trains or aircraft, having at least two panes, which enclose an intermediate space, and on one pane surface facing said intermediate space a coating buildup is provided, having an electrically conductive layer applied to one pane surface, thereupon an electrochromic, and thereupon an ion-conducting and thereupon an electrocatalytic layer. The invention is distinguished by the fact that, in addition to the coating buildup in the intermediate space, which is free of water, solely a reducing or oxidizing gas or gas mixture comprising a reducing or an oxidizing gas or a gas mixture comprising a reducing or an oxidizing gas and an inert gas is provided and that an electric voltage of less than 1.2 volts between the electrically conductive and the electrocatalytic layer is applied.

Abstract: An electro-active spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens includes a first lens optic. The disclosed lens also includes a first electro-active zone positioned in a cooperative relationship with the first lens optic. In certain embodiments, the electro-active lens includes a range finder positioned in a cooperative relationship with the electro-active lens.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, an angularly adjustable power pack, wires for supplying power and mirror angle control, an electrochromic mirror subassembly including a heater, and a turn signal device. The components include individual connectors that plug into a multi-prong connector on the bundle of wires, or that piggyback into each other. Optionally, the heater incorporates an internal wire with end connectors for communicating power to opposite sides of the heater, and also includes layers of light-transmitting/diffusing material for diffusing light passing from the turn signal device through the diffusing material. A printed circuit board fits into a pocket in the panel-shaped carrier, and an integral retainer releasably secures the printed circuit board. The power pack is attached to the carrier via a ring of resilient fingers, and a continuous hoop flange prevents distortion of the carrier and in turn of the glass elements in the mirror subassembly.

Abstract: The invention is a matrix addressable electrochromic display device comprising a top electrode structure comprising at least one transparent or semi-transparent and substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, a bottom electrode structure comprising at least one substantially ionically isolative, electrically conductive electrode, wherein at least one of the top or bottom electrode structures comprises two or more of said electrodes and the top and bottom electrode structures are positioned to form at least two separate regions where the top electrodes are positioned above the bottom electrodes and between the top electrode structure and the bottom electrode structure is positioned an active layer comprising an electrolyte and an electrochromic material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrochromic devices that are protected against UV light by nanoparticles.

Abstract: The novel UV-protected electrochromic solution comprises at least one reducible and at least one oxidizable substance, OX2 and RED1 respectively, which are linked to one another by a bridge, and is outstandingly suitable for use in an electrochromic device.

Abstract: A flexible electrochromic device is disclosed, the device including a flexible substrate with at least one electrically conductive surface, and an electrochromic layer comprising a perfluorosulfonated anionic polyelectrolyte and a metal oxide, the electrochromic layer deposited on a conductive surface of the flexible substrate, wherein the device is capable of being deformed and returned to “flatness” in an undamaged state.

Abstract: Electrochromic assemblies having a layer structure, characterized in that two layers each contain an electrically conductive, electrochromic polydioxythiophene selected from the same group of substances.

Abstract: A supported or self-supporting electrochromic device is provided, comprising:

Abstract: Edge busbars on a substantial perimeter of an electrochromic device are disclosed having electrical paths wrapping over the perimeter edge. Internal busbars interior from the perimeter are disclosed which lower the conductivity of the conductive layer of an electrochromic device. Signals supplied to the busbars to control the electrochromic device are controlled by a switching power supply that allows the maintaining of the color of the electrochromic device without application of continuous power.

Abstract: A method for applying a bus bar to the peripheral edge region of a shaped substrate is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a protective coating to a blank substrate; 2) edging the blank substrate to shape; 3) applying a conductive coating to the peripheral edge region of the shaped substrate; and 4) removing the protective coating, along with excess conductive material.

Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising: at least one solvent; a cathodic electroactive material; an anodic electroactive material; an optional beneficial agent; wherein at least one of the cathodic and anodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein at least one of the cathodic electroactive material, anodic electroactive material, and/or optional beneficial agent is associated with a solubilizing moiety which serves to increase solubility of the associated material or agent relative to the same without the solubilizing moiety.

Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a normally operating electrochromic device comprising an anodic material and a cathodic material wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, an additive, and means associated with the additive for maintaining a colorless or nearly colorless electrochromic medium while the electrochromic medium is in a high transmission state relative to an electrochromic medium without the additive

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochromic window assembly having coloration associated therewith. The assembly includes an electrochromic device defined by two transparent substrates defining a chamber therebetween, and an electrochromic medium including at least one dye contained within the chamber. At least one of the two substrates has a color. The at least one dye also has a color, which either coordinates with the color of the at least one substrate to produce a window assembly of a desired color, or which complements the color of the at least one substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic device having