Transmission-type (e.g., Windows) Patents (Class 359/275)
  • Publication number: 20140111846
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. VEERASAMY
  • Patent number: 8705162
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Deepika Khowal, Namrata Vora
  • Publication number: 20140104667
    Abstract: A control device for controlling the transmittance of an electrochromic device includes a power source, an electrical load sensing circuit, and a processor electrically coupled to the electrical load sensing circuit and a power source. The processor is configured to receive a measured electrical load value from the electrical load sensing circuit indicating an electrical property of the electrochromic device, further configured to control one or more properties of the electrochromic device by controlling the amount of current or voltage supplied from the power source to the electrochromic device, and yet further configured to vary a property of the electrochromic device while maintaining the electrochromic device at a substantially consistent transmissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Greer, Erik Bjornard
  • Patent number: 8693079
    Abstract: This invention discloses conductive busbars and sealants for electrooptic devices including electrochromic mirrors and windows. The conductive busbars are formed from materials comprising nanoparticles, and the sealants comprise of additives that promote a two phase morphology and use of adhesion promotion additives with crosslinkers. Methods to deposit busbars and then to connect these busbars to electrical connectors are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ajjer, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • Publication number: 20140092462
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein describe electrochromic devices and methods for forming electrochromic devices. The electrochromic devices include a transparent substrate, a transparent conducting oxide layer coupled to the transparent substrate, and a layer of electrochromic material coupled to the transparent conducting oxide layer. The transparent conducting oxide layer includes indium and zinc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Minh Huu Le, Thai Cheng Chua, Guowen Ding, Minh Anh Nguyen, Yu Wang, Guizhen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140085578
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a color filter substrate which comprises a first glass substrate, a first transparent electrode layer, a color filter, a black matrix, a second transparent electrode layer, a second glass substrate; wherein the color filter is made of electrochromic materials. The embodiments of the present invention further provide a LCD panel having the color filter substrate, and a method of making the color filter substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Gu, Jaegeon You
  • Publication number: 20140085701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) of the electrochromic type comprising successively a substrate (2), a reflection control coating (8), a laminating interlayer (10), a functional system (4) of the electrochromic type and a substrate (2). This particular arrangement of the laminating interlayer between the reflection control coating and the functional system and the choice of the refractive index and thickness of the reflection control coating are such that the saturation values of C* in the colorimetric system (L*, a*, b*) of the device in reflection are less than or equal to 10 for angles of incidence of 60° and 8° relative to the normal (N) to the outer face (6B) of the counter-substrate and that the absolute value of the difference between the value of C* at an angle of incidence of 8° and the value of C* at an angle of incidence of 60° is less than or equal to 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Olivier Selles, Ingolf Ripberger, Philippe Letocart, Julien Orillard
  • Publication number: 20140071513
    Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, Scott D. Frasher
  • Publication number: 20140055834
    Abstract: A front windshield glass of an automobile with sunshine-shielding plate function comprises a lower glass layer, a lower polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer, a flexible allochroic layer, an upper polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer, and an upper glass layer consecutively laminated and connected with one another from bottom to top. The flexible allochroic layers are positioned at the upper portion of the front windshield glass of an automobile, the light transmittance of which reduces as the intensification of the light increases, thus functioning as sunshine-shielding plates. Due to the flexible allochroic layers being positioned at the upper portion of the front windshield glass of an automobile, such that the remaining portions of the front windshield glass of the automobile are still transparent glass, the view of the driver would be unaffected. The flexible allochroic layer is applicable to the production of curved front windshield glass having a certain radian.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: CHI YAN
  • Publication number: 20140043669
    Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer and a first current modulating structure on a surface thereof, the first current modulating structure comprising a composite of a resistive material and a patterned insulating material, the first current modulating structure having a cross-layer resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first current modulating structure that varies as a function of position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Kinestral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. BERGH, Jonathan ZIEBARTH, Nicolas TIMMERMAN
  • Patent number: 8643933
    Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C Brown
  • Patent number: 8638487
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8623243
    Abstract: Ligand exchange thermochromic systems comprising a. a transition metal ion, iodide; and at least one material capable of minimizing or eliminating yellow color formation in the system, wherein at 25° C. the color coordinate b* value of the system is less than 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Pleotint, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Anderson, Harlan J. Byker, Samuel J. De Jong, Jeffrey L. Lameris, Derick D. Winkle
  • Patent number: 8614848
    Abstract: An electrochromic element includes a pair of transparent electrodes, and an electrolyte layer and an electrochromic layer disposed between the pair of transparent electrodes. Transmittance of light is changed by a voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes. The electrochromic layer includes a first electrochromic layer and a second electrochromic layer stacked upon each other. Both of the first and second electrochromic layers are made of titanium oxide. The first electrochromic layer is in contact with one of the pair of transparent electrodes. The second electrochromic layer is in contact with an electrolyte-layer side of the first electrochromic layer. A refractive index n0 of the transparent electrode in contact with the first electrochromic layer, a refractive index n1 of the first electrochromic layer, and a refractive index n2 of the second electrochromic layer satisfy the relationship n0<n1<n2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Miki Ueda, Shinjiro Okada, Masaaki Shibata
  • Patent number: 8610992
    Abstract: A variable transmission window includes a first substrate having a first transparent conductor coated surface and a second substrate having a second transparent conductor coated surface. The second substrate is positioned relative to the first substrate with the first and second transparent conductor coated surfaces facing each other. An electrochromic medium is disposed between the first and second substrates whereby the transmission of light through the electrochromic medium is changed when an electrical potential is applied thereto. The electrochromic medium includes a cross-linked film. The window may be one of (i) an aeronautical glazing and (ii) a vehicle glazing, and/or the window may be a large area glazing of an area of at least 99 square inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20130329273
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical device (1) having electrically controllable optical and/or energy transmission properties, of the type comprising two electrode coatings (4, 6) and, between them, an electrochemically active layer (6) made of an inorganic material capable of reversibly switching between two states having different optical and/or energy transmission properties by the insertion and extraction of ions. An electrolyte (8) is present between the electrochemically active layer and the second electrode coating. The material of the electrochemically active layer is a material, the insertion and extraction of the ions of which during switching between the two states correspond to a variation in the plasma wavelength ? of the material and in that the material has, at the plasma wavelength ?, a full width at half maximum ?? of the absorption spectrum equal to or less than 1 micron in the two states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Driss Lamine, Arnaud Verger, Samuel Dubrenat, Emmanuel Valentin
  • Publication number: 20130301104
    Abstract: A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Egerton, Drew Gaskell
  • Patent number: 8582193
    Abstract: Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Anshu Pradhan, Robert Rozbicki
  • Publication number: 20130278988
    Abstract: This disclosure provides configurations, methods of use, and methods of fabrication for a bus bar of an optically switchable device. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate and an optically switchable device disposed on a surface of the substrate. The optically switchable device has a perimeter with at least one corner including a first side, a second side, and a first vertex joining the first side and the second side. A first bus bar and a second bus bar are affixed to the optically switchable device and configured to deliver current and/or voltage for driving switching of the device. The first bus bar is proximate to the corner and includes a first arm and a second arm having a configuration that substantially follows the shape of the first side, the first vertex, and the second side of the corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: VIEW, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon Jack, Anshu Pradhan, Kaustubh Nadkarni
  • Publication number: 20130278989
    Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: SWITCH MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Duhane Lam, Neil Robin Branda, Matthew Paul Smit, Peter Alexander Von Hahn
  • Patent number: 8564871
    Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode. An electrochromic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrochromic layer and one of the electrode layers. The electrochromic layer comprises the dehydration reaction product of a hydrolyzed aromatic component. An electrochromic composition comprises an aromatic component having an aromatic core and at least two silicon-based groups pending from the aromatic core. The silicon-based groups have a silicon-bonded group selected from the group of hydrolyzable groups, hydrolyzates of hydrolyzable groups, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: David Witker, Toshio Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130271814
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a window controller that includes a command-voltage generator configured to generate a command voltage signal. The window controller also includes a power-signal generator configured to generate a power signal based on the command voltage signal. The power signal is configured to drive an optically-switchable device on a substantially transparent substrate. In some embodiments, the power-signal generator is configured to generate a power signal having a power profile that includes one or more power profile portions, each power profile portion having one or more voltage or current characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: VIEW, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130271813
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a window controller that includes a command-voltage generator that generates a command voltage signal, and a pulse-width-modulated-signal generator that generates a pulse-width-modulated signal based on the command voltage signal. The pulse-width-modulated signal drives an optically-switchable device. The pulse-width-modulated signal comprises a first power component having a first duty cycle and a second power component having a second duty cycle. The first component delivers a first pulse during each active portion of the first duty cycle, and the second component delivers a second pulse during each active portion of the second duty cycle. The first pulses are applied to a first conductive layer and the second pulses are applied to a second conductive layer. The relative durations of the active portions and the relative durations of the first and second pulses are adjusted to result in a change in an effective DC voltage applied across the optically-switchable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: View, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130271812
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Deepika Khowal, Namrata Vora
  • Publication number: 20130271815
    Abstract: Controllers and control methods apply a drive voltage to bus bars of a thin film optically switchable device. The applied drive voltage is provided at a level that drives a transition over the entire surface of the optically switchable device but does not damage or degrade the device. This applied voltage produces an effective voltage at all locations on the face of the device that is within a bracketed range. The upper bound of this range is associated with a voltage safely below the level at which the device may experience damage or degradation impacting its performance in the short term or the long term. At the lower boundary of this range is an effective voltage at which the transition between optical states of the device occurs relatively rapidly. The level of voltage applied between the bus bars is significantly greater than the maximum value of the effective voltage within the bracketed range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Anshu Pradhan, Disha Mehtani, Gordon Jack
  • Patent number: 8551561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the non-electrolytic deposition of a compound, preferably an electrochromic compound, comprising the following successive steps: (a) an electroconductive layer is deposited on a non-conductive solid substrate; (b) a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent (=redox agent) is deposited on an area of said electroconductive layer, said area covering only a portion of the surface of said electroconductive layer; and (c) a solution of a precursor of the compound to be deposited is brought into contact both with the redox agent and with at least a portion of the area of said electroconductive layer not covered by the redox agent, said precursor being chosen from those having an oxidation-reduction potential higher or lower than the redox agent and forming, after an oxidation-reduction reaction, a compound insoluble in the solution of the precursor of the compound to be deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (compagnie Generale d'optiqu)
    Inventors: Sandrine Duluard, Claudine Biver
  • Publication number: 20130258440
    Abstract: A controller system configured to control an electrochromic device and method thereof are provided, wherein the controller system includes an electrochromic device having a first substantially transparent substrate, a second substantially transparent substrate approximately parallel to the first substantially transparent substrate such that a chamber is defined by the first and second substantially transparent substrates, and an electrochromic medium between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, and a controller in communication with the electrochromic device, wherein the controller is configured to monitor electrical power supplied to the electrochromic device and adjust the electrical power supplied to the electrochromic device to maintain the electrochromic device in an approximately minimum transmission state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Eaton, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste
  • Patent number: 8547624
    Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
  • Patent number: 8542426
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent electrochromic system (100) which includes two pairs of transparent supply electrodes (1-4), which are intended for being electrically connected to variable power sources (20, 21). The electrodes of the two pairs are supported by separate outer walls (10, 11) of the system, on either side of a closed volume which contains electroactive substances. The electrochromic system has superior dynamics and switching rate. Various embodiments of the invention correspond to various modes for connecting the electrodes to the power sources, and to various partitions of the closed volume into separate cells (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Samuel Archambeau, Claudine Biver, Jean-Paul Cano, Sandrine Duluard
  • Publication number: 20130242370
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nano smart glass system, including nano smart glass, DC power supply, sensor, and control unit. Wherein, the nano smart glass includes glass and the electrochromic thin-film device; The anode of the DC power supply connects to the at least one conductive anode layer of the electrochromic thin-film device; the cathode of the DC power supply connects to the at least one conductive cathode layer of the electrochromic thin-film device; the DC power supply is used to provide 1V-50V DC voltage to the electrochromic thin-film device; the electrochromic thin-film device adheres to the inside surface of the glass through the at least one conductive cathode layer or the at least one conductive anode layer; The sensor measures outdoor or indoor conditions and send the real-time measurement data to the control unit. The control unit connects to the DC power supply, and it can control the output voltage of the DC power supply to the electrochromic thin-film device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Qi Wang
  • Patent number: 8526094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for at least one electrochromic window with—means for generating a charging current, to bring the window from a first state into a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state,—means for discharging the window, to bring the window from the second state into the first state, wherein the discharging of the window can be triggered by an emergency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Letocart
  • Patent number: 8526093
    Abstract: An electrically programmable reticle is made using at least one electrochromatic layer that changes its optical transmissibility in response to applied voltages. Transparent conductor layers are configured to the desired patterns. The electrically programmable reticles are either patterned in continuous forms that have separately applied voltages or in a matrix of rows and columns that are addressed by row and column selects such that desired patterns are formed with the application of a first voltage level and reset with the application of a second voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices
    Inventor: Keith Randolph Miller
  • Publication number: 20130222878
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention is a substrate comprising multiple, independently controllable electrochromic zones, wherein each of the electrochromic zones share a common, continuous bus bar. In one embodiment, of the electrochromic zones are not completely isolated from each other. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have the same surface area. In another embodiment, each of the electrochromic zones have a different surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Greer, Jacob Spaargaren
  • Publication number: 20130215489
    Abstract: An optical element includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current. The apodized aperture includes an aperture body including an area defining the clear aperture area, the body having a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Forrest R. Blackburn, Jonathan Bork, John A. Charny, Stefan C. Dehaseth, Peter C. Foller, Andrew J. Lamb, Kevin W. Seybert, Michael A. Steimle, Robert H. Tang, Robert W. Walters
  • Patent number: 8514476
    Abstract: A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Egerton, Drew Gaskell
  • Publication number: 20130201546
    Abstract: This disclosure describes system and methods for creating an autonomous electrochromic assembly, and systems and methods for use of the autonomous electrochromic assembly in combination with a window. Embodiments described herein include an electrochromic assembly that has an electrochromic device, an energy storage device, an energy collection device, and an electrochromic controller device. These devices may be combined into a unitary electrochromic insert assembly. The electrochromic assembly may have the capability of generating power sufficient to operate and control an electrochromic device. This control may occur through the application of a voltage to an electrochromic device to change its opacity state. The electrochromic assembly may be used in combination with a window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8493646
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrochromic region interconnected with a second electrochromic region by a plurality of conductive links disposed between sides of a substrate on which the material layers of the electrochromic device are formed. The plurality of conductive links interconnects a first isolated conductive region of the first electrochromic region with a first isolated conductive region of the second electrochromic region. A sequence of a counter electrode layer, an ion conductor layer and an electrochromic layer is sandwiched between the first conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions and respective second isolated conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions. The second conductive regions of the first and second electrochromic regions are connected to respective first and second bus bars which are for connection to a low voltage electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Samuel Burdis
  • Publication number: 20130182308
    Abstract: A variable transmission electrochromic window including: first and second substantially transparent substrates having electrically conductive materials associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic window exhibits an Ev of less than approximately 20, and more preferably less than approximately 5, while in a low transmission state during normal daylight conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, Kevin L. Ash, David I. Driscoll, Henry A. Luten
  • Publication number: 20130155315
    Abstract: To provide an electrochromic light control element in which a response speed in a low temperature environment can be easily and also efficiently improved. The electrochromic light control element includes a pair of transparent electrodes provided on a pair of substrates and an electrochromic layer and an ion conductive layer arranged between the pair of the transparent electrodes, in which one of the pair of transparent electrodes is connected via a heater that generates heat through a power distribution and an electrical insulation heat conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuya Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20130158790
    Abstract: An electrically-adjustable light transmitter changes its light transmissivity responsive to an electric signal. By applying the electrically-adjustable light transmitter to a window and thereafter changing the electric signal to it, a window can be tinted and un-tinted. Jurisdictions that prohibit tinted vehicle windows are listed in a data base. A current location determined by a GPS is compared to data base entries. If the location is within an area where tinted windows are prohibited, a controller automatically un-tints the windows, or reduces the window tint to comply with applicable local laws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William E. McIntyre, JR., Jerremy H. Anderson, Tod R. Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20130141771
    Abstract: A lens module includes an optical element and an infrared absorbing filter covering on the optical element. The infrared absorbing filter includes an electrochromic substrate. The electrochromic substrate changes from colorlessness to blue and absorbs the infrared constituent of incoming light when a preset voltage is applied on the electrochromic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Patent number: 8456729
    Abstract: An automatic daylighting method adjusts a window covering to block direct sunlight from entering the room through a window when the exterior sky condition is a sunny sky state and, subject to blocking direct sunlight, provides a desired daylighting interior light illuminance level and, if possible, a desired interior solar heat gain through the window. To prevent window covering oscillation, a delay may be used when the sky condition changes from a sunny to overcast state. The covering control may be based on various factors including interior light illuminance entering the window, a room heating or to cooling mode, whether the room is occupied by people, whether occupants have manually operated an adjustable window covering, and the exterior sky condition. The method may also detect an interior temperature level, e.g., to determine a heating or cooling mode of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on Behalf of the University of Oregon
    Inventors: Gordon Z. Brown, Tomoko C. Sekiguchi, Thomas D. Northcutt, Jeffrey A. Kline, Dylan M. Lamar
  • Patent number: 8455849
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a uniform UV radiation irradiance profile across a surface of a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a substrate processing tool includes a processing chamber defining a processing region, a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the processing region, an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source spaced apart from the substrate support and configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation toward the substrate positioned on the substrate support, and a light transmissive window positioned between the UV radiation source and the substrate support, the light transmissive window having an optical film layer coated thereon. In one example, the optical film layer has a non-uniform thickness profile in a radial direction, wherein a thickness of the optical film layer at the peripheral area of the light transmissive window is relatively thicker than at the center region of the optical film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Baluja, Juan Carlos Rocha-Alvarez, Alexandros T. Demos
  • Publication number: 20130128135
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed an automatic darkening filter apparatus comprising a shutter control system configured to cause a shutter to switch from a dark state to an intermediate state in response to a change from high intensity incident light to low intensity incident light being detected. The control system is further configured to maintain the shutter in the intermediate state for a period of time, unless during this period of time high intensity light is detected, in which case the control system causes the shutter to switch to the dark state. If, at the end of the period of time, high intensity light is not detected, the shutter is caused to switch from the intermediate state to a light state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130120822
    Abstract: An electrochromic device including: (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 includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) 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; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20130120823
    Abstract: A lens module includes an infrared absorbing filter. The infrared absorbing filter includes an electrochromic substrate. The electrochromic substrate changes from colorlessness to blue when a preset voltage is applied on the electrochromic substrate. The electrochromic substrate is configured for absorbing the infrared constituent of incoming light rays when the color is changed to blue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Patent number: 8441708
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode, a porous electrochromic layer disposed on the first electrode or the second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The porous electrochromic layer includes different sized nanoparticle clusters, and each nanoparticle cluster includes a plurality of nanoparticles and an electrochromic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Inha-Industry Partnership Institute
    Inventors: Seog-Jin Jeon, Chang-Ho Noh, Wan-In Lee
  • Publication number: 20130107345
    Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VIEW, INC.
    Inventors: Sridhar Kailasam, Robin Friedman, Anshu Pradhan, Robert T. Rozbicki
  • Patent number: 8432604
    Abstract: Transparent structures, electrochromic devices, and methods for making such structures/devices are provided. A transparent structure may include a transparent substrate having a plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, at least one substance configured to block near-infrared or infrared radiation and partially cover at least substantial portions of the substrate and the plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, and at least one photocatalyst configured to at least partially cover an outermost surface of the transparent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventor: Kwangyeol Lee
  • Patent number: 8432603
    Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Some of the difficulties result from inappropriate design and construction of the devices. In order to improve device reliability two layers of an electrochromic device, the counter electrode layer and the electrochromic layer, can each be fabricated to include defined amounts of lithium. Further, the electrochromic device may be subjected to a multistep thermochemical conditioning operation to improve performance. Additionally, careful choice of the materials and morphology of some components of the electrochromic device provides improvements in performance and reliability. In some devices, all layers of the device are entirely solid and inorganic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Eric Kurman, Mark Kozlowski, Mike Scobey, Jeremy Dixon, Anshu Pradhan