Diverse Layer Patents (Class 359/274)
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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: 7557499Abstract: A combined electrochromic/electroluminescent device includes at least one pixel 101-104. Each pixel includes a substrate 107 having an electrically conductive surface 105, and an electrochemically active counter electrode layer 110 disposed on the electrically conductive surface. An electrolyte layer 115 which provides electrolytes is disposed on the counter electrode 110. An electrically conductive layer 125 is disposed on the electrolyte layer 115. An electroactive layer 130 is disposed on the electrically conductive layer 125, the electroactive layer providing both electroluminescence and an electrochromically active working electrode, wherein the electrically conductive layer 125 provides transport of electrolytes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: John R. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7545551Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state reflection-controllable electrochromic device and a reflection-controllable member using that device, and the present invention relates to the all-solid-state reflection-controllable electrochromic device, which is a reflection-controllable device in which a multilayer thin film is formed on a transparent base material, wherein, at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a catalyst layer and a reflection-controllable layer using a magnesium-nickel based alloy thin film are formed on the base material; and, a reflection-controllable member incorporating this reflection-controllable electrochromic device, and it is possible to provide a reflection-controllable electrochromic device, having a novel multilayer structure with high transmissivity when transparent and capable of switching in a short period of time over a large surface area, and a reflection-controllable member incorporating this device.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Kazuki Tajima, Yasusei Yamada, Hirosumi Ogawa, Kinya Kumazawa, Jun Okada
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Publication number: 20090027758Abstract: A reversible coloring and deccoloring solid-state device includes a solid-state electrolyte film and a coloring and decoloring film which colors or decolors the coloring and decoloring film reversibly by applying an electric field. A barrier thin film is inserted between the solid-state electrolyte film and the coloring and decoloring film. The barrier thin film comprises at least one layer which is formed by a material having a band gap energy, functions as a barrier for the carrier movement, and has a thickness of 7 nm to 7±2 nm which does not prevent ion conduction. The coloring and decoloring speed is 0.1 seconds to 0.3 seconds by a voltage driving.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Nobuyoshi Koshida, Hideo Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7428090Abstract: Deterioration of characteristics due to repeated cycles of coloration and discoloration in an electrochromic element comprising an oxidative coloration layer composed of a nickel oxide and a electrolyte composed of a solid electrolyte is suppressed. A lower ITO transparent electrode film 12 is formed on a transparent substrate 10. A nickel oxide film 32 making up an oxidative coloration layer, an intermediate layer 33, a tantalum oxide film making up a solid electrolyte layer, a mixed film comprising a tungsten oxide and a titanium oxide making up a reductive coloration layer, and an upper ITO transparent electrode film 20 making up an upper electrode film are formed on the lower ITO transparent electrode film 12 on this order. The intermediate layer 33 is a transparent film comprising a metal oxide such as SnO2, a metal such as Al, or a composite of the metal oxide and the metal.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Akihiko Fukazawa, Chihiro Minami
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Publication number: 20080218839Abstract: A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Richard J. Paolini, Michael D. McCreary, Charles Howie Honeyman, Bin Wu
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Patent number: 7397595Abstract: This invention provides an electrochromic device which has superior coloration repeat properties, high light transmittance and small thickness. A film is provided comprising a first electrode and second electrode in the same plane, and an electrochromic region and electrolyte region laminated in this plane. The electrochromic region is provided on the second electrode, the electrolyte region is provided on the first electrode, and the boundary between the electrochromic region and electrolyte region lies in the planar direction of the film.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Kyoko Kojima
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Patent number: 7352500Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of independently addressable pixels (1) comprising: a first substrate (2); a counter-electrode (3); second substrate (4); a stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) associated with said second substrate (4); an electrolyte (6) disposed between said counter-electrode (3) and said stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c). Said electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) are each independently addressable for switching operation; and separated from each other by layers of an electrolyte (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Johannes Boudewijn Jagt, Nicolaas Petrus Willard, Mark Thomas Johnson
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Patent number: 7301687Abstract: An electrochemically active element is provided which comprises a first layer of PEDOT-PSS mixed with an adhesion promoter, and a second layer of PANI which is in direct electrical contact with said first layer. Such an element exhibits a substantially increased resistance from being overoxidized, as well as an electrical conductivity which is virtually the same as for pure PEDOT-PSS, and substantially better than for pure PANI. The electrochemically active element can be used in e.g. electrochemical pixel devices, transistors, diodes etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Acreo ABInventors: Magnus Berggren, Thomas Kugler, Tommi Remonen, Jessica Häll, Anna Malmström
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Patent number: 7202987Abstract: An electrochromic mirror device suitable for use in a vehicle comprises a first transparent substrate having a transparent conductive layer on a surface thereof and a second substrate having a conductive layer on a surface thereof. The conductive layer of the first substrate opposes the second conductive layer of the second substrate in a spaced-apart relationship thereby forming an interpane distance between the substrates. A boundary seal is interposed between the first and second substrates spacing apart the substrates and forming a cavity wherein the interpane distance is at least about 10 microns. An electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film is disposed within the cavity. The electrochromic cross-linked solid polymeric film is formed from an electrochromic monomer composition that includes at least one cathodic electrochromic compound. The second conductive layer comprises a metallic reflective layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtao Zhao, Craig Allen Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7190506Abstract: An electrochromic device which carries a coating comprising at least one UV absorber and nanoparticles is effectively protected against destruction by UV light.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Horst Berneth, Werner Hoheisel, Ralf Neigl, Hermann Womelsdorf
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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: 7158277Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided comprising: (i) at least one material that is electrically conducting in at least one oxidation state and (ii) at least one electrochromic material, wherein said materials (i) and (ii) can be the same or different; at least one layer of a solidified electrolyte which is in direct electrical contact with said electrochromic element; and at least two electrodes comprising PEDOT-PSS, arranged side by side in a common plane and adapted for application of a voltage therebetween, one of said electrodes being in direct electrical contact with a component selected from said electrochromic element(s) and the other electrode(s) being in direct electrical contact with a component selected from said electrolyte layer(s) and said electrochromic element(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: ACREO ABInventors: Magnus Berggren, Thomas Kugler, Tommi Remonen, Jessica Häll, Anna Malmström
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Patent number: 7106488Abstract: A method of producing an electrochromic device, includes the steps of: providing a first electron conducting layer on a substrate, providing a working electrode in communication with the first electron conducting layer, providing an ion conducting layer in communication with the working electrode, providing an ion storage electrode in communication with the ion conducting layer, and providing a second electron conducting layer in communication with the ion storage electrode, wherein at least one and less than all of the providing steps include(s) plasma chemical vapor deposition. An electrochromic device produced by the method of the invention is disclosed, as is an apparatus adapted to perform the method of the invention, including plasma CVD devices and vacuum sputtering devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Diwakar Garg, Philip Bruce Henderson
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Patent number: 7075697Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a tristate electrochromic device, comprising: (a) at least one solvent; (b) at least one anodic material; (c) at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein, in a first state, the electrochromic medium exhibits a maximum light transmission; (e) wherein, in a second state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in one of visible radiation or near-infrared radiation without significant attenuation in the other; and (f) wherein, in a third state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in the other spectral region.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Punam Giri, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 7054050Abstract: The invention is a display device comprising a solid top transparent, charge conducting material, positioned below the transparent solid material is an active layer comprising an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, and positioned below the active layer is a working electrode and a counter-electrode arranged to be isolated from one another, wherein the distance between the working and the counter electrode is greater than two times the thickness of the active layer between the electrode and the conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Aveso, Inc.Inventors: John B. Vincent, Derrick W. Flick
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Patent number: 7002720Abstract: The subject of the invention is an electrically controllable device having variable optical and/or energy properties of the electrochromic type, which comprises a functional film consisting of a layer or a stack of layers which is placed between two external substrates which meet the following criteria: at least one is essentially transparent; at least one is based on one (or more) film(s) based on one or more polymers; each of them is a water vapor barrier, with a water vapor permeability of at most 1 g/m2/24 h, especially at most 0.1 g/m2/24 h.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Fabien Beteille, Samuel Dubrenat, Jean-Christophe Giron
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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: 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: 6876479Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a tristate electrochromic device, comprising: (a) at least one solvent; (b) at least one anodic material; (c) at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein, in a first state, the electrochromic medium exhibits a maximum light transmission; (e) wherein, in a second state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in one of visible radiation or near-infrared radiation without significant attenuation in the other; and (f) wherein, in a third state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in the other spectral region.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Punam Giri, Thomas F. Guarr
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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: 6867893Abstract: A process is provided for producing a transparent pane structure for motor vehicles, especially a transparent cover for motor vehicle roofs, in which under an outside pane there is a multilayer electrochrome element for influencing the transparency of the pane structure. In the process, the inside of the outer pane is coated with a complete, functional electrochrome package. Furthermore, a transparent pane structure produced using this process is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Webasto Systemkomponenten GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Pätz, Helmut Teschner
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Patent number: 6816297Abstract: An electro-optic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electro-optic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The optical coating preferably includes photocatalytic layer(s), a hydrophilic layer, and a color suppression coating. The electro-optic device is preferably an electrochromic mirror. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°. The mirror exhibits a C* value of less than 25.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 6785036Abstract: The invention describes an electrochromic display element in the form of an electrically dimmable mirror, an optical filter having an electrically alterable transparency or a display element which contains an electrochromic liquid between two electrode sheets, where at least one of the electrode sheets is transparent and has a transparent, electrically conductive layer and the transparent electrode sheet has a pattern of strips or grid made of a material having metallic conductivity in order to produce a uniform coloration of the electrochromic liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Bayer Healthcare AGInventors: Horst Berneth, Uwe Claussen, Ralf Neigl, Wolfgang Jacobsen
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Patent number: 6744549Abstract: The invention is a display device comprising a solid top transparent, charge conducting material, positioned below the transparent solid material is an active layer comprising an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, and positioned below the active layer is a working electrode and a counter-electrode arranged to be isolated from one another, wherein the distance between the working and the counter electrode is greater than two times the thickness of the active layer between the electrode and the conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.Inventors: John B. Vincent, Derrick W. Flick
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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: 6678083Abstract: An electrochromic mirror assembly is described that is substantially resistant to seal breaches caused by dendrite formation along adjacent layers of the laminate structure of the assembly. The laminate structure is preferably assembled in a water free environment and includes materials that prevent or inhibit the formation of dendrites between adjacent layers of the laminate structure. By way of a non-limiting example, an electrically conductive layer comprised of gold-containing material is disposed between the adhesive layer and the glass layer so as to prevent ionic migration from the reflective layer through a terminal strip.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Ltd.Inventor: Christopher John Anstee
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Patent number: 6620509Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignees: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Ipposha Oil Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takaichi Yamamoto, Takeshi Kimura, Seiji Sugimori
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Patent number: 6618180Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Takuo Mochizuka
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Patent number: 6563625Abstract: The invention relates to an eclectrochromic glass component, particularly for motor vehicle mirrors, which contains a doped ion-conducting basic polymer (4) as the ion-conducting layer. The electrochromic glass component consists, for example of a glass substrate (1) as well as a layer system having an electrochromic layer (2), a mirror layer (3), a doped polymer membrane (4), for example of polybenzimidazole polymer, a proton store (5), a rear electrode (6) and a polyester film (7). The layer system is sealed by a seal (8) which closes the coating system towards the glass substrate (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Magna Auteca Zweigniederlassung der Magna HoldingInventors: Wolfgang Athenstaedt, David Macher, Heinz Zorn, Thomas Soczka-Guth
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Patent number: 6507428Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Helmut-Werner Heuer, Rolf Wehrmann
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Patent number: 6496295Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Volker Wittwer, Andreas Georg, Wolfgang Graf
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Publication number: 20020118437Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Thomas G. Rukavina, Chia-Cheng Lin
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Patent number: 6441942Abstract: A display and projection apparatus includes an electrochromic material and a photoconductive material deposited in tandem used in conjunction with a light filtering means for filtering light transmitted through the electrochromic material. When an electric field is applied across the electrochromic material and the photoconductive material, light that is incident onto the photoconductive material through the surface of the projection apparatus causes the photoconductive material to conduct current locally in proportion to the amount of light incident on the photoconductive material. The flow of current causes the underlying portions of the electrochromic material to switch from an opaque state to a clear or transmissive state, thereby allowing back-light to propagate through the electrochromic material to create a visible image on the surface of the projection apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Howard M. Branz, David K. Benson
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Patent number: 6437901Abstract: An electrochromic mirror comprising two conductive substrates, at least one of which is transparent, and both of an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic color-developing layer sandwiched between the substrates, wherein the color-developing layer contains a high-molecular compound having a biologen structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil CorporationInventors: Masaaki Kobayashi, Izuru Sugiura, Yoshinori Nishikitani
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Patent number: 6426827Abstract: Electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices using nanocrystalline semiconductor electrodes with a high specific surface area and surface-absorbed electrochromic molecules are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de LausanneInventors: Pierre Bonhôte, Lorenz Walder, Michael Grätzel
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Patent number: 6404532Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic device comprising a pair of transparently and conductively coated glass or plastic plates, one of which is optionally mirrored and the conductive layer of one or both of which is optionally subdivided into separate individually electrically contacted segments, wherein (1) the plates are joined together on the sides of their conductive coating by an adhesive bead into which spacers are optionally embedded, wherein the adhesive used for the adhesive bead is a thermally or photochemically curing epoxy adhesive or an epoxy adhesive that cures thermally after photochemical initiation, (2) the volume formed by the two plates and the adhesive bead is filled with an electrochromic fluid through one or more apertures, and (3) the filling aperture or apertures required for introduction of the electrochromic fluid are sealed with an adhesive after filling has taken place, wherein the adhesive used for sealing is a photochemically curing acrylate adhesive or an epoxy adhesiveType: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Horst Berneth, Helmut-Werner Heuer
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Patent number: 6400491Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) includes a first electrode and a second electrode, one of which is substantially transparent to at least a portion of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. An essentially nonaqueous electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of an electrodepositable metal having a molar concentration of more than 0.5 M. The electrolytic solution also contains halide and/or pseudohalide anions having a total molar concentration ratio of at least 2:1 relative to the concentration of the electrodepositable metal cations. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode to form a mirror deposit, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the REM device for electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Innovative Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: D. Morgan Tench, Leslie F. Warren, Jr., Petra V. Rowell
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Publication number: 20020054419Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing an electrochemical device having at least one carrier substrate (1) provided with a stack (2) of functional layers, including at least one electrochemically active layer (4) which is capable of reversibly and simultaneously inserting ions and electrons and is arranged between two electroconductive layers, in particular a device of the electrochromic type. The processing consists in locally inhibiting the functionality of at least one of the functional layers, with the exception of one of the electroconductive layers (3, 8), so as to delimit an inactive peripheral region in the stack (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Fabien Beteille, Jean-Christophe Giron
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Publication number: 20020012156Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig Allen Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierre-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6304363Abstract: An electrochromic glazing 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 element or material are incorporated for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmission through the assembly. The ultraviolet radiation reducing element or material comprises at least one of an ultraviolet absorber, an ultraviolet absorbing polymer, and an ultraviolet absorbing glass.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6301039Abstract: Reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices typically comprise a conductive oxide mirror electrode that is substantially transparent to radiation of some wavelengths, a counter electrode that may also be substantially transparent, and an electrolyte that contains ions of an electrodepositable metal. A voltage applied between the two electrodes causes electrodeposition of a mirror deposit on the mirror electrode and dissolution of the mirror deposit on the counter electrode, and these processes are reversed when the polarity of the applied voltage is changed. Such REM devices provide precise control over the reflection and transmission of radiation and can be used for a variety of applications, including smart windows and automatically adjusting automotive mirrors. According to the present invention, measurements of the sheet resistance of the mirror electrode in a REM device are correlated with the thickness of electrodeposited mirror metal and can be used to monitor the reflectance of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLCInventor: D. Morgan Tench
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Patent number: 6261641Abstract: Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage arc provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The polymeric coating materials are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates, and polysulfones.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Zieba, Curtis Ross Hruska, Steven P. Sapers, Michael J. Cumbo, Nada O. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6239898Abstract: Electrochromic windows and panels are provided which have first and second spaced elements that are optically transparent to visible light. The first and second elements each have first and second sides, and the windows and panels define a sealed chamber disposed between the second side of the first element and the first side of the second element. The sealed chamber is filled with an electrochromic medium, and the transmission of visible light through the electrochromic medium is variable when an electrical potential is applied to electrically conductive coatings that are provided on the second side of the first element and the first side of the second element.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Harlan J. Byker, David J. Cammenga, John K. Roberts
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Patent number: 6204953Abstract: Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage are provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The polymeric coating materials are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates, and polysulfones.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Zieba, Curtis Ross Hruska, Steven P. Sapers, Michael J. Cumbo, Nada A. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6194072Abstract: An electrochromic unit (1) having an electrochemical cell with at least two electrodes (3, 4) applied to a carrier, an electrolyte (2) located between the electrodes (3, 4) and an electrochromic material (7), such as an electrochromic polymer, applied to one of the electrodes (3), is characterized by a proton exchange membrane (2) as a solid electrolyte and carrier for the bilaterally applied electrodes (3, 4), the electrochromic material (7) being positioned on the side of the electrode (3) carrying it remote from the membrane (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Günther Hambitzer, Ulrike Dörflinger, Ingo Stassen, Clemens Schmidt
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Patent number: 6185034Abstract: An electrochromic layer consisting of an electrochromic material film and an electrolyte is provided between transparent electrode films of two glass substrates. An ultraviolet radiation stabilizing agent is not added to the electrolyte. A photocatalytic layer and a porous inorganic hydrophilic layer are formed on the front surface side of the front side glass substrate to make the surface of the device hydrophilic. The photocatalytic layer is excited by irradiation of ultraviolet radiation and decomposes dirt deposited on the surface of the porous inorganic hydrophilic layer, thereby maintaining the hydrophilic property. Since the photocatalytic layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation, occurrence of a photochromism in the electrochromic material film can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Masatoshi Nakamura, Hideyuki Kikuchi
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Patent number: 6172794Abstract: An electrochromic device having successive layers of electrochromic electrolyte and counter-electrode materials. The counter-electrode material comprises an oxide of a mixture including at least two of vanadium, titanium and zirconium.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Pilkington plcInventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
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Patent number: 6160655Abstract: The invention relates to a unit with variable optical properties, which combines at least one system with variable light transmission/absorption, especially of the electrochromic or viologen type, with at least one system with variable light diffusion, especially of the optical valve type or with liquid crystals. The systems are electrically control-driven in order to modulate in a decorrelated manner the light transmission level and the light diffusion level of the unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Renaud Fix, Xueyun Lin