SAGE Electrochromics, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160141258 | MULTIPLE BARRIER LAYER ENCAPSULATION STACK - A process for encapsulating an apparatus to restrict environmental element permeation between the apparatus and an external environment includes applying multiple barrier layers to the apparatus and preceding each layer application with a separate cleaning of the presently-exposed apparatus surface, resulting in an apparatus which includes an encapsulation stack, where the encapsulation stack includes a multi-layer stack of barrier layers. Each separate cleaning removes particles from the presently-exposed apparatus surface, exposing gaps in the barrier layer formed by the particles, and the subsequently-applied barrier layer at least partially fills the gaps, so that a permeation pathway through the encapsulation stack via gap spaces is restricted. The quantity of barrier layers applied to form the stack can be based on a determined probability that a stack of the particular quantity of barrier layers is independent of at least a certain quantity of continuous permeation pathways through the stack. | 05-19-2016 |
20160033837 | CONTROLLED HEATING FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - An electrochromic device is structured to selectively heat one or more particular regions of a conductive layer of the electrochromic device. An electrical potential difference can be induced across the conductive layer to heat one or more layer regions. The conductive layer can be one of at least two conductive layers on opposite sides of an electrochromic film stack, and an electrical potential difference can be induced between the conductive layers to cause at least some of the electrochromic film stack to change transmission levels. The conductive layer can include regions with different sheet resistances, so that one or more regions are structured to generate more heat than other regions of the conductive layer when an electrical potential difference is induced across the conductive layer. Separate layer regions can include separate chemical species. The conductive layer can be geometrically structured so that some layer regions have a greater sheet resistance than other regions. | 02-04-2016 |
20150362819 | CONTROLLED SWITCHING FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - An electrochromic device is structured to selectively switch separate regions to separate transmission levels, based at least in part upon different respective sheet resistances of separate conductive layer regions. Sheet resistance of a conductive layer region can be associated with a transmission level to which a corresponding EC stack region can be switched, and a conductive layer with separate regions having separate sheet resistances causes corresponding EC stack regions to switch to different transmission levels. Sheet resistance in a conductive layer region can be adjusted via various processes, including introducing various chemical species into the conductive layer region to adjust a chemical species distribution in the region, where the chemical species distribution is associated with the sheet resistance of the region, heating conductive layer regions to induce oxidation of the region, adjusting the thickness of a conductive layer region, etc. | 12-17-2015 |
20150362818 | CONTROLLED SWITCHING FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - An electrochromic device is structured to include multiple independently controllable electrochromic regions which can be independently controlled to switch to different transmission levels. One of the electrochromic regions is isolated from any direct electrical connection with any electrodes, and one or more other electrochromic regions interpose an indirect electrical connection between one or more electrodes and the isolated electrochromic region. The electrochromic device can be structured to include multiple independently controllable electrochromic regions, based at least in part upon segmentation of the conductive layers into separate segments to establish the various electrochromic regions. | 12-17-2015 |
20150362817 | MOISTURE RESISTANT ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE - An electrochromic device is structured to restrict moisture permeation between an electrochromic stack in the device and an external environment. The electrochromic device includes conductive layers and one or more encapsulation layers, where the encapsulation layers and conductive layers collectively isolate the electrochromic stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layers resist moisture permeation, and at least the outer portions of the conductive layers resist moisture permeation. The moisture-resistant electrochromic device can be fabricated based at least in part upon selective removal of one or more outer portions of at least the EC stack, so that at least the encapsulation layer extends over one or more edge portions of the EC stack to isolate the edge portions of the EC stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layer can include one or more of an anti-reflective layer, infrared cut-off filter, etc. | 12-17-2015 |
20150362815 | CONTROLLED SWITCHING FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - An electrochromic device is structured to selectively switch separate regions to separate transmission levels, based at least in part upon different transport rates of different charged electrolyte species in the separate regions. Charged electrolyte species can be introduced in various regions of one or more electrochromic stack layers, including a counter-electrode layer, ion-conducting layer, and electrochromic layer. The charged electrolyte species can have different transport rates, so that a distribution of one species introduced in some regions move between layers and different rates relative another distribution of another species introduced in some regions. A species can be introduced, in one or more regions, in one or more particular distributions associated with a particular transmission pattern to structure the electrochromic device to selectively switch to the particular transmission pattern. Species can be introduced via various processes, including ion implantation, chemical diffusion, etc. | 12-17-2015 |
20150253642 | Particle Removal From Electrochromic Films Using Non-Aqueous Fluids - Several of the films that comprise various energy producing or control devices, for example, electrochromic devices, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic cells, are sensitive to moisture in some way. They may be especially vulnerable to moisture at particular stages during their fabrication. It may also be highly desirable during fabrication to be able to wash particulates from the surface. The particulates may be generated some aspect of the fabrication process, or they may arise from the environment in which the fabrication takes place. This invention shows ways to remove said particles from the surface without incurring the damage associated with typical washing processes, resulting in higher manufacturing yields and better device performance. | 09-10-2015 |
20150153622 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING LOWER ELECTRICAL ISOLATION IN ELECTROCHROMIC FILMS - The present invention provides for an electroactive device having a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and one or more electroactive layers sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers. One or more adjacent layers of the electroactive device may include a physical separation between a first portion and a second portion of the adjacent layers, the physical separation defining a respective tapered sidewall of each of the first and second portions. The one or more adjacent layers may include one of the first and second conductive layers. The remaining layers of the electroactive device may be formed over the physical separation of the one or more adjacent layers. The remaining layers may include the other of the first and second conductive layers. | 06-04-2015 |
20150097944 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND REPAIRING DEFECTS IN AN ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE USING THERMAL IMAGING | 04-09-2015 |
20150092259 | Control System For Color Rendering Of Optical Glazings - The present disclosure provides for a method of controlling a plurality of independently controllable sections of one or more electrochromic devices belonging to a common interior space to provide lighting having a substantially color neutral or aesthetically pleasing spectrum to the interior space. The method comprises receiving a desired illuminance input indicating an amount of lighting desired in the interior space, and a neutral lighting input indicating a quantifiable amount of the sections of the electrochromic devices to be set to a high transmittance state. One or more sections of the electrochromic devices are selected in accordance with the neutral lighting input. The selected sections of the electrochromic device are set to the high transmittance state. The one or more electrochromic devices collectively transmit an amount of light into the interior space in accordance with the desired illuminance input. | 04-02-2015 |
20150077829 | COLOR RENDERING IN OPTICAL GLAZINGS - An electrochromic device includes an electrochromic stack. Openings are formed in the electrochromic stack that allow light to pass through without being tinted. | 03-19-2015 |
20150029573 | ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES HAVING IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR REDUCING CURRENT LEAKAGE ACROSS LOWER TRANSPARENT CONDUCTOR LAYERS - One object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device having improved insulating film structure to reduce electrical leakage. The improved structure includes a lower conductive layer, upper transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and at least one ion-conductor layer sandwiched between the electrochromic electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The lower transport conductive layer is scribed and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layer(s) formed above the lower conductive layer, such as the electrode layer formed directly above the lower conductive layer. The effective linewidth of the scribe is greater than the migration length of the lithium ions intercalated into the electrode layer, such that the electrode materials occupying the gap do not convert the electrode layer into an electrically conductive region. | 01-29-2015 |
20140303788 | DYNAMIC FA ADE SYSTEM CONSISTING OF CONTROLLABLE WINDOWS, AUTOMATED SHADES AND DIMMABLE ELECTRIC LIGHTS - The disclosure of the present invention provides for a process for controlling the environmental settings of a building, including: providing a building management system capable of controlling one or more electrochromic devices at least one of (a) one or more automated window shades, and (b) one or more dimmable electric lights; receiving, at the building management system, a plurality of inputs related to (a) a time of day, (b) an occupancy status of the building, (c) a presence of a glare condition, and (d) an operating mode of an HVAC system of the building; and controlling, at the building management system, the status of at least one of the window shades, the lights and the electrochromic devices based on at least one of the plurality of inputs. | 10-09-2014 |
20140253996 | LASER CUTS TO REDUCE ELECTRICAL LEAKAGE - One object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device having improved insulating film structure to reduce electrical leakage. The improved structure includes a lower conductive layer, upper conductive layer, an electrochromic electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and at least one ion-conductor layer sandwiched between the electrochromic electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The lower conductive layer and the electrochromic electrode layer are scribed and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the electrochromic electrode layer. In some aspects, the ion-conductor layer is also scribed with the lower conductor and electrochromic electrode layers and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the ion-conductor layer. In further aspects, the insulating film may include one or more buffer layers formed above an ion-conductor layer, further separating the upper conductive layer from the lower conductive layer. | 09-11-2014 |
20140166730 | ULTRASONIC SOLDERING PROCESS FOR ELECTRICALLY POWERED IGUs - The present invention relates to an ultrasonic soldering tool for soldering wires to a solder tab of an electrochromic device located between the layers of an insulated glass unit. The soldering tool includes an ergonomically designed handle and soldering tip head to increase operator comfort during use while also providing features to ensure that the surface of the insulated glass unit is not contacted by the soldering tip. One embodiment of the invention provides an automatic feed soldering tool which may have a soldering tip with a trough to create an ideal solder joint. The invention also includes a clamp for securing a wire to a substrate in a correct position while serving as a guide for the soldering tool to provide further protection from errant contact between the soldering tip and the insulated glass unit. The invention also includes a method of creating an ideal solder joint. | 06-19-2014 |
20140133005 | COLOR MATCHED COATING FOR BUS BARS - In one aspect, the present invention is a system comprising an electrochromic device having at least one bus bar and a color obscuration material wherein the at least one bus bar is coated with an over-coating material that is 1) substantially non-porous; and 2) substantially color-matched to one of said color obscuration material, a spacer, or a polymer seal. | 05-15-2014 |
20140104667 | PARTIALLY TINTED CLEAR STATE FOR IMPROVED COLOR AND SOLAR-HEAT GAIN CONTROL OF ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - 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. | 04-17-2014 |
20140085701 | ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE WITH ANTI-IRIDESCENT COATING - The invention relates to a device ( | 03-27-2014 |
20140043666 | Ternary Nickel Oxide Materials for Electrochromic Devices - Compounds having the formula Li | 02-13-2014 |
20140041933 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING FRAME SYSTEMS - A system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement with at least a portion of a substrate. The substrate may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may further include first and second conduits. The first conduit may be on a first side of the substrate and a second conduit may be on a second side of the substrate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit through at least one of the seal, a space between the seal and the frame, and a space between the seal and the substrate. | 02-13-2014 |
20140016173 | ELECTROCHROMIC NICKEL OXIDE SIMULTANEOUSLY DOPED WITH LITHIUM AND A METAL DOPANT - An electrochromic device comprising a counter electrode layer comprised of lithium metal oxide which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long-term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising such a counter electrode are also disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
20140000191 | SHOULDER SPACER KEY FOR INSULATED GLAZING UNITS | 01-02-2014 |
20130319756 | ELECTRICAL FEED-THROUGH SPACER AND CONNECTIVITY - An insulated glazing unit is provided. The unit includes a spacer frame separating a pair of substrates. The spacer frame has a length and a width transverse to the length. The unit further includes a conductive element passing through the width of the spacer frame. The unit further includes a first conductive component within the spacer frame. The first conductive component is in electrical communication with the conductive element. The conductive element is adapted for electrical communication with a second conductive component on a side of the width of the spacer frame opposite the first conductive component. | 12-05-2013 |
20130312341 | ELECTROCHEMICAL GLAZING HAVING ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE OPTICAL AND ENERGY-RELATED PROPERTIES - The invention relates to glazing ( | 11-28-2013 |
20130286458 | ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE - The invention relates to an electrochemical device ( | 10-31-2013 |
20130266757 | THERMAL LASER SCRIBE CUTTING FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE PRODUCTION - The disclosure is directed to a cutting process involving: (a) creating a starter crack using a scribe wheel, (b) application of laser or electrothermal heating, and (c) subsequent cooling from a gas or an aerosol jet, as the laser beam and cooling jet move along the desired cutting line. The cutting process can be implemented for cutting a glass panel or other substrate into a plurality of smaller panels. The starter crack may be created on any of the smaller panels within about 10 mm to about 20 mm from the corner of the smaller panel. | 10-10-2013 |
20130258436 | PATTERNED OBSCURATION LINES FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - An electrochromic device is provided. The device may be inserted within a frame. The device may include a substrate, an electrochromic coating, and a patterned layer. The electrochromic coating may overlie a portion of the substrate within a visible region of the substrate. The electrochromic coating may have an outer edge that is spaced from an outer boundary of the visible region of the substrate. The outer edge of the electrochromic coating and the outer boundary of the visible region may define a working region. The patterned layer may be deposited within the working region. The patterned layer may include a plurality of spaced apart shapes. | 10-03-2013 |
20130241299 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING FRAME SYSTEMS - A system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement with at least a portion of a substrate. The substrate may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may further include first and second conduits. The first conduit may be on a first side of the substrate and a second conduit may be on a second side of the substrate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit through at least one of the seal, a space between the seal and the frame, and a space between the seal and the substrate. | 09-19-2013 |
20130225027 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPAIR OF DEFECTS IN AN ELECTRONIC ENERGY CONTROL OR DISPLAY DEVICE - An apparatus for repair of a defect in an electronic energy control device may include a position indicating means for indicating a position at which to fixedly position a mounting unit relative to a portion of an electronic energy control device including a defect to be repaired, where the device is fixed in position. An imaging and repair assembly of the apparatus has an optical imaging range and a laser repair range. When the mounting unit is mounted to a support surface to fixedly position the mounting unit at the position indicated by the position indicating means and the imaging and repair assembly is attached to the mounting unit, the portion of the electronic energy control device is within the imaging range and the repair range. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222878 | MULTI-ZONE ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - 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. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222877 | MULTI-ZONE ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - 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. | 08-29-2013 |
20130182307 | ELECTROCHROMIC NICKEL OXIDE SIMULTANEOUSLY DOPED WITH LITHIUM AND A METAL DOPANT - An electrochromic device comprising a counter electrode layer comprised of lithium metal oxide which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long-term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising such a counter electrode are also disclosed. | 07-18-2013 |
20130089657 | DIRECT DISPENSE DEVICE AND METHOD - A system for dispensing a viscous material includes a motion system for controlling movement of a dispensing tip within a dispensing region and delivering a viscous material at a controlled flow rate in coordination with the movement of the dispensing tip to deliver a predetermined amount of the viscous material to predetermined positions within the dispensing region. A dispensing tip in fluid communication with a pump for use with the system includes outer and inner housings and outlet holes within a space between them. A contact element within the inner housing is capable of contacting a suitable surface for dispensing viscous material. In some embodiments, a face of the outer housing located a fixed distance from an apex of the contact element maintains a uniform thickness during dispensing. A method of using the system includes controlling the movement of the dispensing tip and the flow rate of the viscous material. | 04-11-2013 |
20130089656 | DIRECT DISPENSE DEVICE AND METHOD - A system for dispensing a viscous material includes a motion system for controlling movement of a dispensing tip within a dispensing region and delivering a viscous material at a controlled flow rate in coordination with the dispensing tip movement in order to deliver a predetermined amount of the viscous material to predetermined positions within the dispensing region. A dispensing tip in fluid communication with a pump for use with the system includes outer and inner housings and outlet holes within a space between them. A contact element within the inner housing is capable of contacting a suitable surface for dispensing viscous material. In some embodiments, a face of the outer housing located a fixed distance from an apex of the contact element maintains a uniform thickness during dispensing. A method of using the system includes controlling the movement of the dispensing tip and the flow rate of the viscous material. | 04-11-2013 |
20130015054 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING LITHIUM UNIFORMITY - A method and apparatus for providing uniform coatings of lithium on a substrate are provided. In one aspect of the present invention is a method of selectively controlling the uniformity and/or rate of deposition of a metal or lithium in a sputter process by introducing a quantity of reactive gas over a specified area in the sputter chamber. This method is applicable to planar and rotating targets. | 01-17-2013 |
20120302122 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPAIR OF DEFECTS IN AN ELECTRONIC ENERGY CONTROL OR DISPLAY DEVICE - An apparatus for repair of a defect in an electronic energy control device may include a position indicating means for indicating a position at which to fixedly position a mounting unit relative to a portion of an electronic energy control device including a defect to be repaired, where the device is fixed in position. An imaging and repair assembly of the apparatus has an optical imaging range and a laser repair range. When the mounting unit is mounted to a support surface to fixedly position the mounting unit at the position indicated by the position indicating means and the imaging and repair assembly is attached to the mounting unit, the portion of the electronic energy control device is within the imaging range and the repair range. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302121 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPAIR OF DEFECTS IN AN ELECTRONIC ENERGY CONTROL OR DISPLAY DEVICE - An apparatus for repair of a defect in an electronic energy control device may include a position indicating means for indicating a position at which to fixedly position a mounting unit relative to a portion of an electronic energy control device including a defect to be repaired, where the device is fixed in position. An imaging and repair assembly of the apparatus has an optical imaging range and a laser repair range. When the mounting unit is mounted to a support surface to fixedly position the mounting unit at the position indicated by the position indicating means and the imaging and repair assembly is attached to the mounting unit, the portion of the electronic energy control device is within the imaging range and the repair range. | 11-29-2012 |
20120300280 | BRIDGED BUS BAR FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - In one aspect of the present invention is an electrochromic device comprising at least one bus bar, wherein the at least one bus bar is in communication with a conductive seal. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductive seal is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, resin, or polymer impregnated with a suitable conductive metal or an intrinsically conductive polymer. | 11-29-2012 |
20120268803 | ELECTROCHROMIC SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS COMPRISING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS - In one embodiment of the present invention, an EC device or IGU comprises an identification circuit which stores information regarding at least some of the properties of the EC device or its control requirements. | 10-25-2012 |
20120255855 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING LITHIUM UNIFORMITY - A method and apparatus for providing uniform coatings of lithium on a substrate are provided. In one aspect of the present invention is a method of selectively controlling the uniformity and/or rate of deposition of a metal or lithium in a sputter process by introducing a quantity of reactive gas over a specified area in the sputter chamber. This method is applicable to planar and rotating targets. | 10-11-2012 |
20120212794 | ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE - The invention relates to an electrochromic device including a first non-tempered glass substrate (S | 08-23-2012 |
20120194895 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE - The present invention is directed to electrochromic systems comprising an electrochromic glazing or insulated glazing unit, a photovoltaic module for supplying power to the electrochromic glazing or IGU, and an electronics module in communication either the electrochromic glazing and/or photovoltaic module. | 08-02-2012 |
20120062976 | SERIES CONNECTED ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - 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. | 03-15-2012 |
20110267672 | LAMINATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE TO GLASS SUBSTRATES - Electrochromic device laminates and their method of manufacture are disclosed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110261429 | LAMINATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE TO GLASS SUBSTRATES - Electrochromic device laminates and their method of manufacture are disclosed. | 10-27-2011 |
20110260961 | SERIES CONNECTED ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES - 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. | 10-27-2011 |
20090285978 | Electrochromic devices having improved ion conducting layers - An improved ion conductor layer for use in electrochromic devices and other applications is disclosed. The improved ion-conductor layer is comprised of at least two ion transport layers and a buffer layer, wherein the at least two ion transport layers and the buffer layer alternate within the ion conductor layer such that the ion transport layers are in communication with a first and a second electrode. Electrochromic devices utilizing such an improved ion conductor layer color more deeply by virtue of the increased voltage developed across the ion conductor layer prior to electronic breakdown while reducing the amount of electronic leakage. Also disclosed are methods of making electrochromic devices incorporating the improved ion conductor layer disclosed herein and methods of making ion conductors for use in other applications. | 11-19-2009 |