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US4175838A
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Electro-optic device
Assignee: ETS SA A SWISS CORP
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Filing: 1977-09-01
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Granted: 1979-11-27
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Expires: 1997-09-01
Abstract
Abstract An electro-optic device comprising a transparent conductive layer and an electrochromic layer applied thereon together constituting an electrode, a counter-electrode spaced from said electrode and an intermediate electrolyte; the electrolyte containing a reductant capable of forming, during operation of the device, an electrochemical couple whose potential is more anodic than the oxidation potential of the electrochromic layer to prevent an increase of the potential during bleaching of the electrochromic layer markedly reducing deterioration of the electrolyte.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-Paul Randin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:06
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/1514; G02F1/1523; G02F1/1525; G02F2001/15145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
Electro-optic device comprising a transparent conductive layer, and electrochromic layer consisting of a transition metal oxide applied on the said transparent layer, these two first elements constituting together an electrode, a counter-electrode maintained at distance from the said first electrode, and an electrolyte ensuring an ionic connection between the electrode and the counter-electrode, characterized by the fact that the said electrolyte is polystyrene sulfonic acid containing a reductant able to form, during the operation of the device, a redox couple with an equilibrium more anodic than the oxidation potential of the electrochromic layer, so as to prevent an increase of the potential during bleaching of the electrochromic layer that would produce the deterioration of the electrolyte.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
Electro-optic device comprising a transparent conductive layer, and electrochromic layer consisting of a transition metal oxide applied on the said transparent layer, these two first elements constituting together an electrode, a counter-electrode maintained at distance from the said first electrode, and an electrolyte ensuring an ionic connection between the electrode and the counter-electrode, characterized by the fact that the said electrolyte is polystyrene sulfonic acid containing a reductant able to form, during the operation of the device, a redox couple with an equilibrium more anodic than the oxidation potential of the electrochromic layer, so as to prevent an increase of the potential during bleaching of the electrochromic layer that would produce the deterioration of the electrolyte.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant and the corresponding oxidant formed during the operation of the device are colorless.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is bromide (Br - ) constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is bromine (Br 2 ).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 3, characterized by the fact that the content in bromide is of 2% of the electrolyte.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is ferric iron (Fe 3+ ).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is hydroquinone constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is the quinone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is vanadium III constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is vanadium IV.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
Electro-optic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said reductant is thallium I constituting a redox couple the oxidant of which is thallium III.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-11-26 | 1983-05-28 | 1983-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-26 | 1987-05-28 | 1987-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-26 | 1991-05-28 | 1991-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |