Abstract:
A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.
Abstract:
A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy. Energy harvesting, energy storage capacity and/or switching material may be configured to provide at least a predetermined level of device operability.
Abstract:
Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
Abstract:
In a bicycle comprising a frame having at least a bottom bracket (22), and a rear wheel having a center axis, the improvement including a rear wheel suspension linkage comprising: an upper link member (26), a lower link member (28), and a rear stay member (30); a shock absorber (24) providing compression resistance for said suspension linkage and having first and second ends; said rear stay member (30) having upper and lower ends (38, 35), and being adapted to have the rear wheel engaged at said lower end (35); said lower link member (28) having front (32) and rear (34) ends, said rear end (34) of said lower link member (28) being pivotally engaged with said rear stay (30) member at a point between said lower (35) and upper ends (38), and said front end (32) of said lower link member (28) being pivotally engaged with the frame at a first point vertically spaced from the bottom bracket (22); said upper link member (26) having a front end (42), a rear end, and a middle portion, said front end (42) of said upper link member (26)being pivotally engaged with said first end of said shock absorber (24), said rear end being pivotally engaged with said upper end of said rear stay member (30), and said middle portion (40) being pivotally engaged with the frame at a second point vertically spaced from said first point(32); and said second end of said shock absorber (24) being pivotally engaged with the frame.
Abstract:
A fluidic control system includes featured layers. The featured layers include two or more features which collectively form at least one functional component.
Abstract:
Chemical reactors such as fuel cells, electrolysis cells or the like may be made up of frames which combine a process layer with a perimeter barrier. The perimeter barrier defines a low aspect ratio cavity on the process layer. The low aspect ratio cavity may be filled with porous diffusion media or other materials. The frames may be incorporated into intermediate assemblies that can be combined to form reactors. Intermediate assemblies may be bonded together to form the reactors. In an assembled reactor, the cavities have high aspect ratios.
Abstract:
A control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly includes a controller in communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals, and a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon statements and instructions executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to perform any one or more of: allowing the optical filter assembly to transition to a dark state by shorting the load terminals together, maintaining the optical filter assembly in a hold mode by applying a pulse width modulated voltage signal across the load terminals, and transitioning the optical filter assembly between operative states by applying a voltage signal having voltage pulses of opposite polarities to the load terminals.
Abstract:
A simplified switchable object and methods of making same are provided. The methods may include steps of applying a switchable material on a first surface of a first substrate, the switchable material having a thickness and a shape; applying a barrier material on the first substrate, circumferential to the switchable material; and applying a second substrate over top of, and in contact with, the switchable material and the barrier material, the first substrate, second substrate and barrier material defining a closed chamber encapsulating the switchable material. The methods may further include a step of applying a seal material.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a switchable optical filter comprising a layer of switchable material, the switchable material comprising a photochromic/thermochromic, a photochromic/photochromic, or a photochromic/electrochromic compound; a first light source providing light of a wavelength that causes the switchable material to transition from a faded state to a dark state, or a dark state to a faded state; and a switch for controlling activation of the first light source
Abstract:
An eyewear control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly configurable to cover at least a portion of a lens of an eyewear device. The eyewear control system includes a controller communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals. The eyewear control system also includes a light sensor communicatively coupled to the controller to provide a detector output signal, the light sensor being positioned to receive sunlight transmitted through the optical filter assembly and towards an eye of a person wearing the eyewear device, the detector output signal being set in dependence on an amount of sunlight received by the light sensor. The eyewear control system also includes a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon computer program code executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to vary a voltage across the load terminals in dependence on the detector output signal to vary an amount of sunlight transmitted to the eye by the optical filter assembly.