Other

Comdisco, Inc.

Eyeonics, Inc.

William R Kallman

Leonard M Dorfman

David F Baretich

Mark B Roberts

John F Ahern

James D Williams

Albert E Ozias

Geoffrey A Russell

Scott G Wills

Christian F Schaus

David G Keeney

A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles. The invented lead acid-type battery preferably is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 20 mA-hours' capacity and the invented lithium-type battery preferably also is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 180 mA-hours' capacity, all in a tiny volume compatible with one or more volume-restricted spaces. Preferably, the lithium-type and lead acid-type batteries are of approximately equal form factor and volume, for symmetric placement thereof in a void within either temple. The temples are hingedly connected with the eyewear's front piece via a unique leaf spring that biases the former into one of two orientations relative to the latter. Dual like-cell battery configurations also are disclosed, along with a flexible circuit defining one or more frame-mounted transmissivity switches. A microcontroller is described that fits within a tiny void formed in the eyewear's bridge. Finally an external, battery-powered battery charger case and circuit are described for use with EC eyewear powered by dual lead acid batteries.

Micro-electronic power supply for electrochromic eyewear

A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles. The invented lead acid-type battery preferably is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 20 mA-hours' capacity and the invented lithium-type battery preferably also is elongate, of uniform, right-rectanglular cross section and provides over 180 mA-hours' capacity, all in a tiny volume compatible with one or more volume-restricted spaces. Preferably, the lithium-type and lead acid-type batteries are of approximately equal form factor and volume, for symmetric placement thereof in a void within either temple. The temples are hingedly connected with the eyewear's front piece via a unique leaf spring that biases the former into one of two orientations relative to the latter. Dual like-cell battery configurations also are disclosed, along with a flexible circuit defining one or more frame-mounted transmissivity switches. A microcontroller is described that fits within a tiny void formed in the eyewear's bridge. Finally an external, battery-powered battery charger case and circuit are described for use with EC eyewear powered by dual lead acid batteries.

Spring-hinged frame for eyeware

An electrochromic device for use in the field of optical lenses. The device includes a substrate having an expanse and an edge region. A first electrode layer is coated on the expanse and extends substantially across the expanse and into the edge region. An electrochromic layer is coated on the first electrode so that the first electrode layer physically isolates the electrochromic layer from the substrate. A second electrode layer is coated on the electrochromic layer, so that the electrochromic layer physically isolates the second electrode layer from the first electrode layer. A first contact is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. An isolative barrier is coated on the first electrode layer in the edge region. A second contact is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. Alternatively, an isolative channel is formed in the second electrode layer to electrically isolate the first electrode layer from the second electrode layer.

Electrochromic edge isolation-interconnect system, process, and device

Electrochromic eyewear

Electrochromic eyewear system, rechargeable eyewear and external charger

A method of generating electricity wherein a solution of liquid ammonia and an element which dissolves and ionizes in such liquid ammonia is moved through a magnetohydrodynamic generator.

Magnetohydrodynamic generator system

Growing community of inventors

Portland, OR, United States of America

William R Kallman