US5239405A — Electrochemichromic solutions, processes for prep…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 96 words

An electrochemichromic solution capable of color change when an applied potential is introduced thereto, said electrochemichromic solution comprising: (a) at least one anodic compound, said anodic compound having been previously contacted with a redox agent such that said anodic compound exists in a different valence state than prior to having been contacted with said redox agent; (b) at least one cathodic compound; and (c) a solvent wherein the redox potential of said anodic compound in said different valence state is greater than the redox potential of said cathodic compound while each is contacted with said solvent.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 96 words

An electrochemichromic solution capable of color change when an applied potential is introduced thereto, said electrochemichromic solution comprising: (a) at least one anodic compound, said anodic compound having been previously contacted with a redox agent such that said anodic compound exists in a different valence state than prior to having been contacted with said redox agent; (b) at least one cathodic compound; and (c) a solvent wherein the redox potential of said anodic compound in said different valence state is greater than the redox potential of said cathodic compound while each is contacted with said solvent.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 141 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR4## wherein A is O, NRR 1 ; wherein R and R may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H or any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms, provided that when A is NRR 1 , Q is H or OH; D is O, S; E is R , COOH, CONH 2 , phenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl; G is H; J is phenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl; or G and J, when taken together, represent an aromatic ring structure having six carbon ring atoms when viewed in conjunction with the ring carbon atoms to which they are attached; L is H, OH; and Q is H, OH, NRR 1 .

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 37 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein each A of said anodic compound is NRR 1 , a salt selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate and any halogen is associated therewith.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

The electrochemical solution according to claim 2, wherein when Q of said anodic compound is OH, a salt selected from the group consisting of any alkali metal is associated therewith.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 31 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is a member selected from the class of chemical compounds consisting of the following formulae: ##STR5## and any combination thereof.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR6##

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR7##

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR8##

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR9##

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR10##

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR11##

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR12##

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 2, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR13##

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 85 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said cathodic compound is selected from the group of chemical compounds consisting of the following formulae: ##STR14## wherein R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H or any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; X is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate, any halogen and any combination thereof.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 13 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 14, wherein said cathodic compound is ##STR15##

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 13 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 14, wherein said cathodic compound is ##STR16##

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 13 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 14, wherein said cathodic compound is ##STR17##

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said redox agent of (a) is in a solid form.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 18, wherein said redox agent has a particle size of about 50 mesh to about 400 mesh.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 52 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said redox agent of (a) is a reducing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume a decreased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said reducing agent.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 37 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 20, wherein said reducing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of zinc, ascorbic acid, sodium hydrosulfite, vanadium (III) chloride, chromium (II) acetate, sulfur dioxide and any combination thereof.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 13 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 21, wherein said reducing agent is zinc.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 52 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said redox agent of (a) is an oxidizing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume an increased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said oxidizing agent.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 31 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 23, wherein said oxidizing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, sodium persulfate, methylene violet (Bernthsen) and any combination thereof.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 54 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said solvent of (c) is a member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, 3-hydroxypropionitrile, methoxypropionitrile, 3-ethoxypropionitrile, propylene carbonate, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, cyanoethyl sucrose, 7-butyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, N,N'-dimethylformamide, 3,3'-ethylsulfolane, methylethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, benzoyl acetone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetophenone, glutaronitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-methoxyethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether and any combination thereof.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 14 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said solvent of (c) is acidic.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 44 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is rendered acidic by employing as a solvent component an acidic material selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, any hydrogen halide gas in solution, perchloric acid, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 3-hydroxypropionitrile and any combination thereof.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 14 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 27, wherein said solvent component is acetic acid.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 28, wherein said solvent component is acetic acid employed in the range of about 0.01% (v/v) to about 75% (v/v).

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 19 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 28, wherein said solvent component is acetic acid employed at about 1% (v/v).

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 25 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 74% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, about 25% glutaronitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 25 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 49.5% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, about 49.5% glutaronitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 27 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 64% propylene carbonate, about 35% cyanoethyl sucrose and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 24 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 69% 3-hydroxypropionitrite, 30% 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 26, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 99% propylene carbonate and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 29 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, further comprising (d) a constituent selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet stabilizing agent, an electrolytic material and any combination thereof.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 39 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 36, wherein said ultraviolet stabilizing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of "UVINUL 400", "UVINUL D-49", TINUVIN P, "TINUVIN 327", "TINUVIN 328", "Cyasorb 24", benzotriazole, benzophenone and any combination thereof.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 15 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 37, wherein said ultraviolet stabilizing agent is "UVINUL 400".

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 38 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 36, wherein said electrolytic material is a member selected from the group consisting of tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, tetraethylammonium perchlorate, tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetrabutylammonium trifluoromethane sulfonate, any halogen alkali metal salt and any combination thereof.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 14 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 39, wherein said electrolytic material is tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 35 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein the total concentration of said first electrochemichromic compound and said second electrochemichromic compound in said electrochemichromic solution is in the range of about 0.001M to about 0.1M.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 28 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 41, wherein the total concentration of said first electrochemichromic compound and said second electrochemichromic compound in said electrochemichromic solution is about 0.04M.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 27 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, wherein said applied potential is introduced to said solution in the range of about 0.001 volts to about 5 volts.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 17 words

The electrochemichromic solution according to claim 43, wherein said applied potential is introduced at about 1 volt.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 109 words

A process for preparing an electrochemichromic solution, said process comprises: (a) solubilizing an electrochemichromic compound with a solvent; (b) contacting said solubilized electrochemichromic compound with a redox agent to alter the valence state of said electrochemichromic compound such that an anodic compound is created in solution which has a different valence state than said solubilized electrochemichromic compound possessed prior to having been contacted with said redox agent; (c) contacting a cathodic compound with said solubilized anodic compound of (b) to form said electrochemichromic solution; and (d) introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution such that a current passes through said electrochemichromic solution thereby causing a color change thereof.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 109 words

A process for preparing an electrochemichromic solution, said process comprises: (a) solubilizing an electrochemichromic compound with a solvent; (b) contacting said solubilized electrochemichromic compound with a redox agent to alter the valence state of said electrochemichromic compound such that an anodic compound is created in solution which has a different valence state than said solubilized electrochemichromic compound possessed prior to having been contacted with said redox agent; (c) contacting a cathodic compound with said solubilized anodic compound of (b) to form said electrochemichromic solution; and (d) introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution such that a current passes through said electrochemichromic solution thereby causing a color change thereof.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 140 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR18## wherein A is O, NRR 1 ; wherein R and R 1 may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H, any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms, provided that when A is NRR 1 , Q is H or OH; D is O, S; E is R 1 , COOH, CONH 2 , phenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl; G is H; J is phenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl; or G and J, when taken together, represent an aromatic ring structure having six carbon ring atoms when viewed in conjunction with the ring carbon atoms to which they are attached; L is H, OH; and Q is OH, NRR 1 .

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 36 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein when A of said anodic compound is NRR 1 , a salt selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate and any halogen is associated therewith.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 29 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein when Q of said anodic compound is OH, a salt selected from the group consisting of any alkali metal is associated therewith.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 30 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is selected from the group consisting of the chemical compounds represented by the following formulae ##STR19## and any combination thereof.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR20##

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR21##

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR22##

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR23##

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR24##

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR25##

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR26##

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 46, wherein said anodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR27##

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 87 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said cathodic compound is selected from the group consisting of the chemical compounds presented by the following formulae: ##STR28## wherein R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H or any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; and X is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate, any halogen and any combination thereof.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 58, wherein said cathodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR29##

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 58, wherein said cathodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR30##

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 58, wherein said cathodic compound is represented by the formula below: ##STR31##

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 23 words

The process according to claim 45, further comprising after (b) removing that quantity of said redox agent of (b) which has remained unreacted.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 33 words

The process according to claim 62, wherein said redox agent is removed by a means selected from the group consisting of filtering, decanting, osmosis, fractionating, precipitating, extracting, centrifuging, vacuum and any combination thereof.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 17 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said redox agent of (b) is in a solid form.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 22 words

The process according to claim 64, wherein said redox agent has a particle size of about 50 mesh to about 400 mesh.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 51 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said redox agent of (b) is a reducing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume a decreased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said reducing agent.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 36 words

The process according to claim 66, wherein said reducing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of zinc, ascorbic acid, sodium hydrosulfite, vanadium (III) chloride, chromium (II) acetate, sulfur dioxide and any combination thereof.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 12 words

The process according to claim 67, wherein said reducing agent is zinc.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 51 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said redox agent of (b) is an oxidizing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume an increased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said oxidizing agent.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 30 words

The process according to claim 69, wherein said oxidizing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, sodium persulfate, methylene violet (Bernthsen) and any combination thereof.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 31 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said electrochemichromic solution further comprises a constituent selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet stabilizing agent, an electrolytic material and any combination thereof.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 14 words

The process according to claim 71, wherein said constituent is an ultraviolet stabilizing agent.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 36 words

The process according to claim 72, wherein said ultraviolet stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of "UVINUL 400", "UVINUL D-49", "TINUVIN P", "TINUVIN 327", "TINUVIN 328", "Cyasorb 24", benzotriazole, benzophenone and any combination thereof.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 14 words

The process according to claim 73, wherein said ultraviolet stabilizing agent is "UVINUL 400".

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 13 words

The process according to claim 71, wherein said constituent is an electrolytic material.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 35 words

The process according to claim 75, wherein said electrolytic material is selected from the group consisting of tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, tetraethylammonium perchlorate, tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetrabutylammonium trifluoromethane sulfonate, any halogen alkali metal salt and any combination thereof.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 13 words

The process according to claim 76, wherein said electrolytic material is tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 53 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said solvent of (a) is a member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, 3-hydroxypropionitrile, methoxypropionitrile, 3-ethoxypropionitrile, propylene carbonate, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, cyanoethyl sucrose, γ-butyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, N,N'-dimethylformamide, 3-methylsulfolane, methylethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, benzoyl acetone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetophenone, glutaronitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-methoxyethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether and any combination thereof.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 13 words

The process according to claim 45, wherein said solvent of (a) is acidic.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 43 words

The process according to claim 79, wherein said solvent is rendered acidic by employing as a solvent component an acidic material selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, any hydrogen halide gas in solution, perchloric acid, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 3-hydroxypropionitrile and any combination thereof.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 13 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent component is acetic acid.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 25 words

The process according to claim 81, wherein said solvent component is acetic acid employed in the range of about 0.01% (v/v) to about 75% (v/v).

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 16 words

The process according to claim 82, wherein said solvent component is employed at about 1% (v/v).

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 74% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, about 24% glutaronitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 49.5% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, about 49.5% glutaronitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 27 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 64% propylene carbonate, about 35% cyanoethyl sucrose (v/v) and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 69% 2-hydroxypropionitrile, about 30% 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 22 words

The process according to claim 80, wherein said solvent is comprised of about 99% propylene carbonate and about 1% acetic acid (v/v).

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 61 words

A process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1, said process comprises: (a) inserting said electrochemichromic solution into a cell; sealing said cell so that said electrochemichromic solution is prevented from escaping therefrom; and (c) introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution contained in said cell such that a current passes therethrough to cause a color change thereof.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 127 words

An electrochemichromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate coated with a substantially transparent conductive coating on its interior face; (b) a second substantially transparent substrate coated with a substantially transparent conductive coating on its interior face, said second substrate positioned in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with said first substrate and being laterally displaced therefrom; (c) a sealing means positioned toward the peripheral edge of each of said first substrate and said second substrate and sealingly forming a cell cavity therebetween; (d) the electrochemichromic solution according to claim 1 having been dispensed into and confined within said cell cavity; and (e) a means for introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution to controllably cause a variation in the amount of light transmitted through said device.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 42 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said transparent conductive coating may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, tin oxide, antimony-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, antimony-doped zinc oxide and aluminum-doped zinc oxide.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said device is a member selected from the group consisting of mirrors, glazings, partitions, filters, displays and lenses.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 14 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 92, wherein said glazing is a window assembly.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 15 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 92, wherein said glazing is a sun roof assembly.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 33 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 92, wherein said device is a mirror assembly further comprising a reflective coating on a face of either one of said first substrate or said second substrate.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 32 words

The electrochemichromic mirror assembly according to claim 95, wherein said reflective coating is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium, chromium and stainless steel.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 34 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said first substrate of (a) is a laminate assembly comprising at least two substantially transparent panels affixed to one another by a substantially transparent adhesive layer.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 20 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, further comprising (g) a molded casing formed about the periphery of said device.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 18 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 98, wherein said molded casing is constructed of injection molded polyvinyl chloride.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 22 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 98, wherein said molded casing is constructed of a moldable material that is reaction injected molded.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 30 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said sealing means of (c) may be constructed from a member selected from the group consisting of thermosetting materials and thermoplastic materials.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 17 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 101, wherein said sealing means is constructed from a thermosetting material.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 17 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 101, wherein said sealing means is constructed of a thermoplastic material.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 38 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said first substrate of (a) and said second substrate of (b) are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, optical plastics, laminated glass and tempered glass.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said first substrate of (a) and said second substrate of (b) are each constructed of the same material.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 24 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said first substrate of (a) and second substrate of (b) are each constructed of different materials.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 248 words

An electrochemichromic device comprising: (a) a first glass substrate coated with a conductive coating on its interior face; (b) a second glass substrate coated with a conductive coating on its interior face, said second glass substrate positioned in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with said first glass substrate; (c) a sealing means positioned toward, but inward from, the peripheral edge of each of said first substrate and said second substrate and sealingly forming a cell cavity therebetween; (d) an electrochemichromic solution capable of color change when an applied potential is introduced thereto, said electrochemichromic solution comprising: (1) methylene violet (Bernthsen), wherein said methylene violet (Bernthsen) has previously been reduced; (2) an alkyl-substituted viologen salt, wherein said alkyl substituent is a member-selected from the group consisting of any straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; and (3) a solvent, wherein said solvent is a member selected from the group consisting of the the combination of 3-hydroxypropionitrile, glutaronitrile and acetic acid, the combination of propylene carbonate and acetic acid, the combination of 3-ethoxypropionitrile and 2-acetylbutyrolactone, the combination of 3-ethoxypropionitrile, glutaronitrile and acetic acid, the combination of 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile and acetic acid, and the combination of propylene carbonate, cyanoethyl sucrose and acetic acid, wherein said solution has been dispensed into and confined within said cell cavity; and (e) a means for introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution to controllably cause a variation in the amount of light transmitted through said solution.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 248 words

An electrochemichromic device comprising: (a) a first glass substrate coated with a conductive coating on its interior face; (b) a second glass substrate coated with a conductive coating on its interior face, said second glass substrate positioned in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with said first glass substrate; (c) a sealing means positioned toward, but inward from, the peripheral edge of each of said first substrate and said second substrate and sealingly forming a cell cavity therebetween; (d) an electrochemichromic solution capable of color change when an applied potential is introduced thereto, said electrochemichromic solution comprising: (1) methylene violet (Bernthsen), wherein said methylene violet (Bernthsen) has previously been reduced; (2) an alkyl-substituted viologen salt, wherein said alkyl substituent is a member-selected from the group consisting of any straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; and (3) a solvent, wherein said solvent is a member selected from the group consisting of the the combination of 3-hydroxypropionitrile, glutaronitrile and acetic acid, the combination of propylene carbonate and acetic acid, the combination of 3-ethoxypropionitrile and 2-acetylbutyrolactone, the combination of 3-ethoxypropionitrile, glutaronitrile and acetic acid, the combination of 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile and acetic acid, and the combination of propylene carbonate, cyanoethyl sucrose and acetic acid, wherein said solution has been dispensed into and confined within said cell cavity; and (e) a means for introducing an applied potential to said electrochemichromic solution to controllably cause a variation in the amount of light transmitted through said solution.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 24 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 107, wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of mirrors, glazings, partitions, filters, displays and lenses.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 108, wherein said device is a mirror further comprising a reflective coating on a face of said second glass substrate.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 39 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution is a member selected from the group consisting of chemical compounds of the following formulae: ##STR32## and any combination thereof.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 21 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution is ##STR33##

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 96 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said cathodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution is a member selected from the group consisting of chemical compounds of the following formulae: ##STR34## wherein R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H or any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; and X is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate, any halogen and any combination thereof.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 60 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said solvent of siad electrochemichromic solution is a member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, 3-hydroxypropionitrile, methoxypropionitrile, 3-ethoxypropionitrile, propylene carbonate, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, cyanoethyl sucrose, γ-butyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, N,N'-dimethylformamide, 3-methylsulfolane, methylethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, benzoyl acetone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetophenone, glutaronitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 4-methoxyethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether and any combination thereof.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 20 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said solvent of siad electrochemichromic solution is acidic.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 43 words

The process according to claim 114, wherein said solvent is rendered acidic by employing as a solvent component an acidic material selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, any hydrogen halide gas in solution, perchloric acid, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 3-hydroxypropionitrile and any combination thereof.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 37 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein the total concentration of said anodic compound and said cathodic compound in said electrochemichromic solution is in the range of about 0.005M to about 0.5M.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 65 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said redox agent which has previously contacted said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution is a reducing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume a decreased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said reducing agent.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 12 words

The process according to claim 117, wherein said reducing agent is zinc.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 34 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said electrochemichromic solution further comprises a constituent selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet stabilizing agents, electrolytic material and any combination thereof.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 32 words

The process of using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein said applied potential is introduced to said electrochemichromic solution in the range of about 0.001 volts to about 5 volts.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 38 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is a member selected from the group consisting of chemical compounds of the following formulae: ##STR35## and any combination thereof.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 20 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is ##STR36##

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 95 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said cathodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is a member selected from the group consisting of chemical compounds of the following formulae: ##STR37## wherein R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and each may be selected from the group consisting of H or any straight-chain or branched alkyl constituent having from about one carbon atom to about six carbon atoms; and X is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroborate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, hexafluorophosphate, any halogen and any combination thereof.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 58 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said solvent of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, 3-hydroxypropionitrile, methoxypropionitrile, 3-ethoxypropionitrile, propylene carbonate, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, cyanoethyl sucrose, γ-butyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, N,N'-dimethylformamide, 3-methylsulfolane, methylethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, benzoyl acetone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetophenone, glutaronitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-methoxyethyl ether, triehtylene glycol dimethyl ether and any combination thereof.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 19 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said solvent of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is acidic.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 44 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 125, wherein said solvent is rendered acidic by employing as a solvent component an acidic material selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, any hydrogen halide gas in solution, perchloric acid, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 3-hydroxypropionitrile and any combination thereof.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 36 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein the total concentration of said anodic compound and said cathodic compound in said electrochemichromic solution of said device is in the range of about 0.005M to about 0.5M.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 64 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said redox agent which has previously contacted said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution of said device is a reducing agent capable of causing an electrochemichromic compound to assume a decreased valence state upon contacting therewith as compared with that valence state possessed by said electrochemichromic compound prior to having been contacted with said reducing agent.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 13 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 128, wherein said reducing agent is zinc.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 33 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said electrochemichromic solution of said device further comprises a constituent selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet stabilizing agents, electrolytic materials and any combination thereof.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 31 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein said applied potential is introduced to said electrochemichromic solution of said device in the range of about 0.002 volts to about 5 volts.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 37 words

The process for using an electrochemichromic solution according to claim 89, wherein that quantity of said redox agent which has remained unreacted after having previously contacted said anodic compound of said electrochemichromic solution has been removed therefrom.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 35 words

The electrochemichromic device according to claim 90, wherein that quantity of said redox agent which has remained unreacted after having previously contacted said anodic compound of said device has been removed from said electrochemichromic solution.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-08-23	1997-02-22	1997-08-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-08-23	2001-02-22	2001-08-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-08-23	2005-02-22	2005-08-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electrochemichromic solutions, processes for preparing and using the same, and devices manufactured with the same

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