US4240713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrode barrier layer for hydrogen-colored electrochromic displays
Assignee: Timex Group USA Inc
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Filing: 1978-11-08
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Granted: 1980-12-23
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Expires: 1998-11-08
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a transparent electrode barrier layer between the metal oxide electrodes and electrochromic layers thereon in an electrochromic display in which coloration of the electrochromic layers is attributed to the incorporation of protons therein under an applied electrical potential. The electrode barrier layer minimizes the destructive reaction between the metal oxide electrodes and hydrogen from colored electrochromic layers. Display life is thereby substantially improved.
Inventors
- 👤 Marshall Leibowitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:40
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/153; G02F1/1533; G02F2001/1536
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
In an electrochromic display comprising a first substrate with a transparent metal oxide electrode and image-forming electrochromic layer thereon, a second spaced substrate with a counter electrode and an ion-conducting layer between the substrates, wherein coloration of the electrochromic layer is attributed to the incorporation of protons in the layer under the influence of an applied electrical field with the attendant generation of some harmful atomic hydrogen therein, the improvement for increasing the useful life of the display comprising: a transparent hydrogen barrier layer disposed between the metal oxide electrode and associated electrochromic layer for minimizing destructive reaction between said electrode and atomic hydrogen resulting from coloration of the electrochromic layer, said barrier layer being electron permeable under the influence of the applied field so that electrons necessary for coloration can pass between the electrode and electrochromic layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
In an electrochromic display comprising a first substrate with a transparent metal oxide electrode and image-forming electrochromic layer thereon, a second spaced substrate with a counter electrode and an ion-conducting layer between the substrates, wherein coloration of the electrochromic layer is attributed to the incorporation of protons in the layer under the influence of an applied electrical field with the attendant generation of some harmful atomic hydrogen therein, the improvement for increasing the useful life of the display comprising: a transparent hydrogen barrier layer disposed between the metal oxide electrode and associated electrochromic layer for minimizing destructive reaction between said electrode and atomic hydrogen resulting from coloration of the electrochromic layer, said barrier layer being electron permeable under the influence of the applied field so that electrons necessary for coloration can pass between the electrode and electrochromic layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The display of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer comprises a film of insulating material which film physically blocks the passage of atomic hydrogen and which is sufficiently thin so as to allow tunnelling of electrons therethrough under the applied potential.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The display of claim 2 wherein the film comprises silicon dioxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The display of claim 2 wherein the film comprises silicon nitride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display of claim 2 wherein the layer is from about 20 to 150 A in thickness.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The display of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer comprises a layer of gettering material which bonds with atomic hydrogen to minimize its penetration to the electrodes and allows electrons to pass therethrough for coloration purposes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display of claim 6 wherein the film comprises nonintrinsic silicon which is conductive to electrons.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The display of claim 6 wherein the film comprises intrinsic silicon having a thickness sufficiently thin so as to allow electrons to tunnel therethrough.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display of claim 6 wherein the layer is from about 20 to 150 A in thickness.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The display of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer comprises a conductive film of crystallized material in which the diffusivity of hydrogen atoms is sufficiently slow so that passage of hydrogen atoms therethrough is minimized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The display of claim 10 wherein the conductive film comprises a crystallized tungsten trioxide layer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display of claim 11 wherein the crystallized tungsten trioxide layer is from about 20 to 150 A in thickness.
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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) | 1983-12-23 | 1984-06-23 | 1984-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-23 | 1988-06-23 | 1988-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-23 | 1992-06-23 | 1992-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |