US5239406A — Near-infrared reflecting, ultraviolet protected, …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 199 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers and having a physical thickness of about 80 angstroms to about 300 angstroms and a sheet electrical resistance of no greater than about 8 ohms/square.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 199 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers and having a physical thickness of about 80 angstroms to about 300 angstroms and a sheet electrical resistance of no greater than about 8 ohms/square.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

The glazing assembly of claim 1 wherein said elemental thin metal film is selected from the group consisting of gold, copper, aluminum, silver, and alloy combinations thereof.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 14 words

The glazing assembly of claim 1 wherein said elemental thin metal film is, silver.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 47 words

The glazing assembly of claim 3 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is a thin film stack including said elemental thin metal film sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal nitride, metal halide, and metal sulfide thin films.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 53 words

The glazing assembly of claim 4 wherein said thin metal compound films of said thin film stack are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, magnesium fluoride, cerium oxide, indium/tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc sulfide, silicon oxide and silicon nitride.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 1 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 26 words

The glazing assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is one of a vehicle window, vehicle sunroof, a vehicle sun visor, and a vehicle shade band.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 214 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said near-infrared reflective means comprising a thin film stack including said elemental thin metal film sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal nitride, metal halide, and metal sulfide thin films.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 214 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said near-infrared reflective means comprising a thin film stack including said elemental thin metal film sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal nitride, metal halide, and metal sulfide thin films.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 53 words

The glazing assembly of claim 8 wherein said thin metal compound films of said thin film stack are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, magnesium fluoride, cerium oxide, indium/tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc sulfide, silicon oxide and silicon nitride.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 212 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: p1 first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; at least one of said elements being formed from specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 212 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: p1 first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; at least one of said elements being formed from specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 22 words

The glazing assembly of claim 10 wherein said specialized blue tint glass is the outermost or outside element in said glazing assembly.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 10 wherein said specialized blue tint glass element is the innermost or inside element in said glazing assembly.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 202 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; at least one of said elements incorporating a UV absorbing glass sheet comprising at least 0.2 weight percent of one of cerium oxide, iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 202 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; at least one of said elements incorporating a UV absorbing glass sheet comprising at least 0.2 weight percent of one of cerium oxide, iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 232 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporated at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted to be mounted in a vehicle having an exterior; said second element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the exterior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 232 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporated at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted to be mounted in a vehicle having an exterior; said second element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the exterior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 19 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is located between said first and second panels.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 20 words

The glazing assembly of claim 15 wherein at least one of said panels is formed from highly light transmitting glass.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 16 wherein said one panel which is formed from highly light transmitting glass is formed from specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 17 wherein said intermediate layer comprises an optically transparent polymeric adhesive substance having spectrally selective absorbing characteristics; said ultraviolet radiation reducing means being incorporated therein; said polymeric adhesive substance providing scatterproofing characteristics for said assembly

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 14 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein said intermediate layer is a sheeting layer.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 16 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein said intermediate layer includes a layer of polyvinylbutyral sheeting.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein at least one of said panels includes a layer of UV radiation reducing polymeric film on at least one surface thereof.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 55 words

The glazing assembly of claim 21 wherein said glazing assembly is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle having an interior; said polymeric film being on a surface of said assembly adapted to face the interior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted, said polymeric film including anti-misting means for reducing fogging thereon.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 20 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein at least one panel in said laminate assembly is specialized blue tint glass.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 19 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 wherein at least one of said panels is formed from tempered safety glass.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 14 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 30 words

The glazing assembly of claim 25 wherein said spectrally selective absorbing means also include a polymeric interlayer which is highly light transmitting and which adheres said panels to one another.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 26 wherein said polymeric interlayer is a sheeting layer which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 207 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said assembly including a perimeter coating on at least one surface of at least one of said elements for concealing from view said means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 207 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said assembly including a perimeter coating on at least one surface of at least one of said elements for concealing from view said means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 221 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having structure adjacent said assembly; said assembly including seal means intermediate said elements for confining said electrochromic medium in said space; said seal means being color matched to said structure in the vehicle which is adjacent said assembly.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 221 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having structure adjacent said assembly; said assembly including seal means intermediate said elements for confining said electrochromic medium in said space; said seal means being color matched to said structure in the vehicle which is adjacent said assembly.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 231 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having an interior; said first element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the interior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 231 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; said glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having an interior; said first element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the interior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 19 words

The glazing assembly of claim 30 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is located between said first and second panels.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 45 words

The glazing assembly of claim 30 wherein one of said panels is formed from highly light transmitting specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 42 words

The glazing assembly of claim 30 wherein said intermediate layer comprises an optionally transparent polymeric adhesive substance having spectrally relative selective absorbing characteristics; said ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated therein; said polymeric adhesive substance providing scatterproofing and anti-lacerative characteristics for said assembly.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 20 words

The glazing assembly of claim 33 wherein at least one of said glass panels is formed from tempered safety glass.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 30 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 224 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent, elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces and defining a space between said first and second elements, one of said elements being a laminated assembly including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 224 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent, elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces and defining a space between said first and second elements, one of said elements being a laminated assembly including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 25 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said elemental thin metal film has a physical thickness of between about 80 angstroms to about 300 angstroms.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 24 words

The glazing assembly of claim 37 wherein said elemental thin metal film has a sheet electrical resistance of no greater than about 8 ohms/square.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 26 words

The glazing assembly of claim 38 wherein said elemental thin metal film is selected from the group consisting of gold, copper, aluminum, silver, and combinations thereof.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 14 words

The glazing assembly of claim 38 wherein said elemental thin metal film is silver.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 47 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is a thin film stack including said elemental thin metal film sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal nitride, metal halide, and metal sulfide thin films.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 53 words

The glazing assembly of claim 41 wherein said thin metal compound films of said thin film stack are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, magnesium fluoride, cerium oxide, indium/tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc sulfide, silicon oxide and silicon nitride.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 20 words

The glazing assembly of claim 43 wherein at least one of said panels is formed from highly light transmitting glass.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 43 words

The glazing assembly of claim 43 wherein one of said glass panels is formed from specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is located between said first and second panels of said one element.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 39 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said intermediate layer comprises an optically transparent polymeric adhesive substance having spectrally selective absorbing characteristics; said ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated therein; said polymeric adhesive substance providing scatterproofing characteristics for said assembly.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said intermediate layer is a sheeting layer which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 35 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein at least one of said elements incorporates a UV absorbing glass sheet comprising at least 0.2 weight percent of one of cerium oxide, iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 33 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said ultraviolet radiation reducing means includes a layer of UV radiation reducing polymeric film on at least one surface of at least one of said panels.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 54 words

The glazing assembly of claim 50 wherein said glazing assembly is adapted for mounted in a vehicle having an interior; said polymeric film being on a surface of said assembly adapted to face the interior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted, said polymeric film including anti-misting means for reducing fogging thereon.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 19 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein at least one of said panels is formed from tempered safety glass.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said assembly includes a perimeter coating on at least one surface of at least one of said elements for concealing from view said means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 55 words

The glazing assembly of claim 36 wherein said glazing assembly is adapted for mounting in a vehicle having structure adjacent said assembly; said assembly including seal means intermediate said elements for confining said electrochromic medium in said space; said seal means being color matched to said structure in the vehicle which is adjacent said assembly.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 237 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic vehicular glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having an interior, an exterior, and structure adjacent said assembly, said assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements, said second element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the exterior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said elements break or crack; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 237 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic vehicular glazing assembly adapted for mounting in a vehicle having an interior, an exterior, and structure adjacent said assembly, said assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements being adjacent one another and having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements, said second element being a laminate assembly adapted to be closer to the exterior of the vehicle in which said assembly is mounted and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, said panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said elements break or crack; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 25 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein said elemental, thin metal film has a physical thickness of between about 80 angstroms to about 300 angstroms.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 24 words

The glazing assembly of claim 56 wherein said elemental thin metal film has a sheet electrical resistance of no greater than about 8 ohms/square.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 33 words

The glazing assembly of claim 57 wherein said safety means includes said UV radiation reducing means and is a layer of polymeric film on a surface of at least one of said elements.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 58 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is located between said first and second panels of said second element.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 31 words

The glazing assembly of claim 59 wherein said elemental thin metal film of said near-infrared reflective means is selected from the group consisting of gold, copper, aluminum, silver, and combinations thereof.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 14 words

The glazing assembly of claim 59 wherein said elemental thin metal film is silver.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 47 words

The glazing assembly of claim 59 wherein said near-infrared reflective means is a thin film stack including said elemental thin metal film sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal nitride, metal halide, and metal sulfide thin films.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 53 words

The glazing assembly of claim 62 wherein said thin metal compound films of said thin film stack are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, magnesium fluoride, cerium oxide, indium/tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc sulfide, silicon oxide and silicon nitride.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 59 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 63 words

The glazing assembly of claim 64 wherein at least one of said panels is formed from highly light transmitting glass; said glass panel including said spectrally selective absorbing means, said glass panel being formed from specialized glass which absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 65 wherein said specialized blue tint glass panel is the outermost or outside panel in said laminate assembly.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 30 words

The glazing assembly of claim 64 wherein said intermediate layer is said polymeric layer. and comprises said safety means, said spectrally selective absorbing means, and said ultraviolet radiation reducing means.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 35 words

The glazing assembly of claim 67 wherein said polymeric layer absorbs substantially more visible light in wavelengths higher than about 560 nanometers than in other regions of the visible spectrum and has a blue tint.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 31 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein said safety means includes a polymeric layer on one surface of one of said elements, said polymeric layer providing anti-lacerative characteristics for said assembly.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 21 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein at least one of said panels of said laminate assembly has a blue tint.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 35 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein at least one of said elements incorporates a UV absorbing glass sheet comprising at least 0.2 weight percent of one of cerium oxide, iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein said assembly includes a perimeter coating on at least one surface of at least one of said elements for concealing from view said means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 40 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein said assembly includes seal means intermediate said elements for confining said electrochromic medium in said space; said seal means being color matched to said structure in the vehicle which is adjacent said assembly.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 28 words

The glazing assembly of claim 55 wherein said safety means includes a polymeric layer on one surface of one of said elements, said polymeric layer having anti-misting characteristics.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 240 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent, glass elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing injury upon impact to said assembly, said safety means comprising at least one of a tear-resistance, resilient polymeric layer positioned on a surface of one of said glass elements for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries, and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said glass elements break or crack, and a tempered, safety glass panel forming one of said glass elements.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 240 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent, glass elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing injury upon impact to said assembly, said safety means comprising at least one of a tear-resistance, resilient polymeric layer positioned on a surface of one of said glass elements for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries, and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said glass elements break or crack, and a tempered, safety glass panel forming one of said glass elements.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 58 words

The glazing assembly of claim 75 wherein said ultraviolet reducing means comprises an additive for absorbing, blocking, and/or screening ultraviolet radiation; said additive being selected from the group consisting of benzophenones, cinnamic acid derivatives, esters of benzoin acids, salicylic acid, terephthalic and isophthalic acids with resorcinol and phenols, pentamethyl piperidine derivatives, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzilidenes, malonates and oxalanilides.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 76 wherein said additive is incorporated in at least one of said polymeric layer and said electrochromic medium.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 76 wherein said electrochromic medium is an electrochemichromic solution and further wherein said electrochemichromic solution contains said additive.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 76 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 36 words

The glazing assembly of claim 79 wherein said assembly has a color tint in the visible light that is transmitted, said color tint being selected from the group including a blue tint and a green tint.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 22 words

The glazing assembly of claim 75 wherein said tempered, safety glass panel is tempered by one of thermal, contact, and chemical tempering.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 236 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; said ultraviolet radiation reducing means comprising an additive for absorbing, blocking, and/or screening ultraviolet radiation included in said electrochromic medium, said additive stabilizing said medium against degradation from ultraviolet radiation, said additive being selected from the group consisting of benzophenones, cinnamic acid derivatives, esters of benzoin acids, salicylic acid, terephthalic and isophthalic acids with resorcinol and phenols, pentamethyl piperdine derivatives, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzilidenes, malonates and oxalanilides; near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; and said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 236 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, electrochromic glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; said ultraviolet radiation reducing means comprising an additive for absorbing, blocking, and/or screening ultraviolet radiation included in said electrochromic medium, said additive stabilizing said medium against degradation from ultraviolet radiation, said additive being selected from the group consisting of benzophenones, cinnamic acid derivatives, esters of benzoin acids, salicylic acid, terephthalic and isophthalic acids with resorcinol and phenols, pentamethyl piperdine derivatives, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzilidenes, malonates and oxalanilides; near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; and said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 82 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 36 words

The glazing assembly of claim 83 wherein said assembly has a color tint in the visible light that is transmitted, said color tint being selected from the group including a blue tint and a green tint.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 238 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic vehicular glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements, said second element being a laminate assembly and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, and panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said elements break or crack; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers and located between said first and second panels of said second element.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 238 words

A reduced near-infrared radiation transmitting, reduced ultraviolet radiation transmitting, safety-protected electrochromic vehicular glazing assembly comprising: first and second spaced, optically transparent elements, said elements having facing surfaces defining a space between said first and second elements, said second element being a laminate assembly and including first and second spaced, optically transparent panels, and panels having facing surfaces secured to one another by an intermediate layer; an electrochromic medium confined in said space whose light transmittance is variable upon the application of an electric field thereto; means for applying an electric field to said electrochromic medium to cause variation in the light transmittance of said medium; ultraviolet radiation reducing means incorporated in said assembly for reducing ultraviolet radiation degradation of said electrochromic medium in said assembly and for reducing ultraviolet radiation transmittance through said assembly; safety means incorporated in said assembly for preventing fragment scattering, lacerative injuries and contact with said electrochromic medium should one of said elements break or crack; and near-infrared reflective means located on at least one of said first and second elements for reducing the transmission of near-infrared radiation through said glazing assembly, said reflective means incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film; said elemental thin metal film reflecting at least about 30% of the solar energy for Air Mass 2 in the spectral region from 800 nanometers to 2500 nanometers and located between said first and second panels of said second element.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 23 words

The glazing assembly of claim 85 wherein said intermediate layer includes at least one of a polyester and a plasticized polyvinylbutyral polymer film.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 17 words

The glazing assembly of claim 86 wherein said intermediate layer also includes said elemental thin metal film.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 26 words

The glazing assembly of claim 87 wherein said elemental thin metal film is selected from the group consisting of gold, copper, aluminum, silver, and combinations thereof.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 49 words

The glazing assembly of claim 85 further comprising spectrally selective absorbing means for absorbing more light in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 560 nanometers to about 780 nanometers than is absorbed in those regions of the visible spectrum from about 400 nanometers to about 560 nanometers.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 36 words

The glazing assembly of claim 89 wherein said assembly has a color tint in the visible light that is transmitted, said color tint being selected from the group including a blue tint and a green tint.

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

Near-infrared reflecting, ultraviolet protected, safety protected, electrochromic vehicular glazing

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