Patent US5912759A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5912759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrochemical display cell with focused field
Assignee: Timer Technologies LLC
•
Filing: 1998-04-27
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Granted: 1999-06-15
•
Expires: 2018-04-27
Abstract
Abstract An electrochemical display cell has a layered construction including two electrode layers separated by a dielectric layer. Concentric openings are formed in the dielectric layer and one of the electrode layers exposing a designated portion of the other electrode layer. An electrolyte layer overlaps the one electrode layer and the designated portion of the other electrode layer. When activated, current flow cascades through the openings in the one electrode layer and the dielectric layer to the designated portion of the other electrode layer supporting an electrochemical reaction that erodes the designated portion revealing underlying visual information.
Inventors
- 👤 David M. Good
- 👤 Mark A. Shadle
- 👤 Gerrit L. Verschuur
- 👤 Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
- 👤 Robert Parker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:51
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F9/00; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/1506; G02F1/153; G02F1/155; G04; G04F; G04F1/00; G09F7/00; H; H01; H01M; H01M6/00; H01M6/30; H01M6/36; H01M6/38; H01M6/50; H01M6/5044; G02F1/1508; G02F1/1533; H01M6/40; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 80
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
A self-powered electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers, a dielectric layer, and an electrolyte layer overlapping each other within a common stack; each of said first and second electrode layers having front and back surfaces; said dielectric layer being positioned between said front surface of the first electrode layer and said back surface of the second electrode layer for electronically separating said first and second electrode layers; aligned openings formed through portions of said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer exposing a portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer; said electrolyte layer overlapping both a remaining portion of said front surface of the second electrode layer and the exposed portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer forming an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; and an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers being closeable in support of an electrochemical reaction that produces a focused electric field within said electrolyte layer cascading from said front surface of the second electrode layer through said aligned openings in the dielectric and second electrode layers to the exposed portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer for eroding the exposed portion of said first electrode layer to display visual information.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
A self-powered electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers, a dielectric layer, and an electrolyte layer overlapping each other within a common stack; each of said first and second electrode layers having front and back surfaces; said dielectric layer being positioned between said front surface of the first electrode layer and said back surface of the second electrode layer for electronically separating said first and second electrode layers; aligned openings formed through portions of said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer exposing a portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer; said electrolyte layer overlapping both a remaining portion of said front surface of the second electrode layer and the exposed portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer forming an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; and an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers being closeable in support of an electrochemical reaction that produces a focused electric field within said electrolyte layer cascading from said front surface of the second electrode layer through said aligned openings in the dielectric and second electrode layers to the exposed portion of said front surface of the first electrode layer for eroding the exposed portion of said first electrode layer to display visual information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said opening in the dielectric layer is smaller than said opening in the second electrode layer for laterally separating the exposed portion of said first electrode layer from the remaining portion of said second electrode layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The display cell of claim 2 in which said opening in the dielectric layer has a closed shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display cell of claim 3 in which said opening in the second electrode layer also has a closed shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display cell of claim 4 in which said closed-shape openings in the dielectric layer and the second electrode layer are substantially circular.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said electrolyte layer overlaps a larger area on said front surface of the second electrode than on said front surface of the first electrode for enhancing the electrochemical reaction at the exposed portion of said first electrode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said electrolyte layer is an adhesive.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The display cell of claim 6 in which the remaining portion of said second electrode layer is entirely overlapped by a remaining portion of said dielectric layer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display cell of claim 8 in which said first electrode layer entirely overlaps the remaining portion of said dielectric layer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said first electrode layer is eroded for providing an irreversible display of the visual information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The display cell of claim 10 in which said first electrode layer is a thin film that is eroded to reveal an image that provides the visual information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display cell of claim 10 in which said thin film is eroded in a pattern to form the visual information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display cell of claim 10 further comprising a graphics layer that is revealed by the erosion of said first electrode layer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The display cell of claim 10 in which said second electrode layer is patterned to produce an image that is revealed by the erosion of said first electrode layer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said aligned openings are a first pair of a plurality of pairs of aligned openings in said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The display cell of claim 15 in which each of said plurality of pairs of aligned openings exposes a different portion of said front surface of the first electrode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display cell of claim 16 in which said plurality of pairs of aligned openings is overlapped by said electrolyte layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display cell of claim 17 in which said plurality of pairs of aligned openings is arranged in a pattern for enhancing the visual information.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which one of said first and second electrodes has different electrode potentials for functioning as a voltaic cell.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The display cell of claim 19 in which said first electrode also functions as a portion of said electronically conductive pathway that extends beyond the second electrode.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display cell of claim 20 in which said first electrode is a metal film deposited onto a surface of a substrate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display cell of claim 21 in which said substrate surface has an area that is substantially covered by said metal film.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The display cell of claim 22 in which said metal film is made of aluminum.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
The display cell of claim 1 in which said first electrode layer extends beyond both said dielectric layer and said second electrode layer, and said second electrode layer extends beyond said electrolyte layer for forming a switch interrupting said electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The display cell of claim 24 in which said extended portion of the first electrode is foldable against said extended portion of the second electrode for closing said electronically conductive pathway between the first and second electrode layers.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
110 words
A self-powered electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers having different electrode potentials; a dielectric layer separating overlapping portions of said first and second electrode layers; an electrolyte layer overlapping adjacent portions of said first and second electrode layers for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; said adjacent portion of the first electrode layer not being overlapped by said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer; and an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers that is closeable for inducing an irreversible electrochemical reaction that erodes said adjacent portion of the first electrode layer for displaying hidden visual information.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
110 words
A self-powered electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers having different electrode potentials; a dielectric layer separating overlapping portions of said first and second electrode layers; an electrolyte layer overlapping adjacent portions of said first and second electrode layers for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; said adjacent portion of the first electrode layer not being overlapped by said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer; and an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers that is closeable for inducing an irreversible electrochemical reaction that erodes said adjacent portion of the first electrode layer for displaying hidden visual information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
53 words
The display cell of claim 26 in which said adjacent portion of the first electrode layer is a first of two adjacent portions that are not overlapped by said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer, and said second adjacent portion of the first electrode layer is not overlapped by the electrolyte layer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
The display cell of claim 27 in which said adjacent portion of the second electrode is a first of two adjacent portions, and said second adjacent portion of the second electrode layer is not overlapped by said electrolyte layer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
The display cell of claim 28 in which said second adjacent portion of the first electrode layer and said second adjacent portion of the second electrode layer are arranged as electrical contacts along said electronically conductive pathway.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The display cell of claim 29 in which said second adjacent portion of the first electrode layer is foldable into electrical contact with said second adjacent portion of the second electrode layer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The display cell of claim 26 further comprising a substrate having front and back surfaces, and said first electrode layer substantially covers said front surface of said substrate.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display cell of claim 31 in which said first electrode layer is a thin metal film.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display cell of claim 31 in which said second electrode layer is a thin metal film.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
The display cell of claim 31 in which aligned openings are made in said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer for exposing said adjacent portion of said first electrode layer to said electrolyte layer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display cell of claim 34 in which said electrolyte layer overlaps a larger area of said second electrode layer than said first electrode layer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The display cell of claim 34 in which said aligned openings are one pair of a plurality of pairs of aligned openings through said second electrode and dielectric layers for exposing different portions of said first electrode layer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
107 words
An electrochemical display cell comprising: at least one substrate; first and second electrode layers covering partially overlapping regions of said at least one substrate; an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; an electrolyte layer covering a region of said at least one substrate and arranged for contacting adjacent portions of said first and second electrode layers in support of an electrochemical reaction eroding the adjacent portion of the first electrode layer to display visual information and said electrolyte layer being operatively isolated from said first electrode layer prior to its intended contact with said adjacent portions of the first and second electrode layers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
107 words
An electrochemical display cell comprising: at least one substrate; first and second electrode layers covering partially overlapping regions of said at least one substrate; an electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; an electrolyte layer covering a region of said at least one substrate and arranged for contacting adjacent portions of said first and second electrode layers in support of an electrochemical reaction eroding the adjacent portion of the first electrode layer to display visual information and said electrolyte layer being operatively isolated from said first electrode layer prior to its intended contact with said adjacent portions of the first and second electrode layers.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The display cell of claim 37 further comprising a dielectric layer covering a portion of said first electrode layer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The display cell of claim 38 in which said second electrode layer covers a portion of said dielectric layer adjacent to an exposed portion of said first electrode layer not covered by said dielectric layer.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
36 words
The display cell of claim 39 in which aligned openings are contained in said second electrode layer and said dielectric layer, and said exposed portion of the first electrode layer is located within said aligned openings.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The display cell of claim 40 in which said second electrode layer contacts a portion of said first electrode layer not covered by said dielectric layer for completing said electronically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display cell of claim 41 in which said dielectric layer contains another opening through which said second electrode layer contacts said first electrode layer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
53 words
The display cell of claim 37 in which said electrolyte layer is made of an electrolytic adhesive, and said electrolyte layer is operatively isolated from said first electrode layer by a protective layer that covers said electrolyte prior to its intended contact with said adjacent portions of the first and second electrode layers.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The display cell of claim 43 in which said protective layer is a release layer.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
202 words
A succession of printed display cells made by an in-line process comprising: a flexible web; a first electrode layer that covers at least portions of said flexible web; a dielectric layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said first electrode layer; a second electrode layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said dielectric layer; said repeating patterns of said dielectric layer and said second electrode layer leaving portions of said first electrode layer exposed along said flexible web; an electrolyte layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said second electrode layer and said exposed portions of the first electrode layer for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; said electrolyte layer having opposite side surfaces, and one of said opposite side surfaces of the electrolyte layer being in contact with both said first and second electrode layers; and said repeating patterns of the first and second electrode layers being arranged to support electronically conductive pathways between said first and second electrode layers so that when said electronically conductive pathways are closed, said exposed portions of the first electrode layer are eroded by electrochemical reactions for displaying visual information.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
202 words
A succession of printed display cells made by an in-line process comprising: a flexible web; a first electrode layer that covers at least portions of said flexible web; a dielectric layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said first electrode layer; a second electrode layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said dielectric layer; said repeating patterns of said dielectric layer and said second electrode layer leaving portions of said first electrode layer exposed along said flexible web; an electrolyte layer arranged in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said second electrode layer and said exposed portions of the first electrode layer for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; said electrolyte layer having opposite side surfaces, and one of said opposite side surfaces of the electrolyte layer being in contact with both said first and second electrode layers; and said repeating patterns of the first and second electrode layers being arranged to support electronically conductive pathways between said first and second electrode layers so that when said electronically conductive pathways are closed, said exposed portions of the first electrode layer are eroded by electrochemical reactions for displaying visual information.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The display cells of claim 45 in which said dielectric layer is printed onto said first electrode layer, and said second electrode layer is printed onto said dielectric layer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display cells of claim 46 in which said electrolyte layer is printed onto both said first and second electrode layers.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
The display cells of claim 45 in which said flexible web has front and back surfaces, and said front surface of said web is substantially covered by said first electrode layer.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display cells of claim 48 in which said first electrode layer is a metal film.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display cells of claim 48 in which said second electrode layer is a thin metal film.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The display cells of claim 49 in which said metal film is made of aluminum.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
The display cells of claim 50 in which said metal film is made of silver.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display cells of claim 48 in which said first electrode layer also functions as a common portion of said electronically conductive pathways.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display cells of claim 52 in which said first electrode layer also functions as a common portion of said electronically conductive pathways.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
37 words
The display cells of claim 45 in which said repeating patterns of said dielectric layer, said second electrode layer, and said electrolyte layer all overlapping said first electrode layer form a succession of individual electrochemical display cells.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
The display cells of claim 55 in which said first and second electrode layers have different electrode potentials, and said electrochemical display cells are voltaic cells.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The display cells of claim 55 in which said first electrode layer also functions as a conductor between a plurality of said individual electrochemical display cells.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display cells of claim 45 in which said flexible web includes transparent windows aligned with said exposed portions of said first electrode.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The display cells of claim 58 in which one of said repeating patterns of said dielectric and second electrode layers are rendered visible through said transparent window upon erosion of said exposed portions of said first electrode.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of printing a succession of electrochemical display cells comprising the steps of: advancing a web covered by a first electrode layer through an in-line press; printing a dielectric layer in a repeating pattern that covers some portions of said first electrode layer and leaves exposed other portions of said first electrode layer; printing a second electrode layer in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said dielectric layer; applying an electrolyte layer in a repeating pattern that covers portions of both said second electrode layer and said exposed portions of said first electrode layer for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; arranging the electrolyte layer with respect to said first and second electrode layers so that a common face of said electrolyte layer contacts both said first and second electrode layers; and arranging the repeating patterns of said first and second electrode layers to support electronically conductive pathways between said first and second electrode layers so that when said electronically conductive pathways are closed, said exposed portions of said first electrode layer are eroded by electrochemical reactions for displaying visual information.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of printing a succession of electrochemical display cells comprising the steps of: advancing a web covered by a first electrode layer through an in-line press; printing a dielectric layer in a repeating pattern that covers some portions of said first electrode layer and leaves exposed other portions of said first electrode layer; printing a second electrode layer in a repeating pattern that covers portions of said dielectric layer; applying an electrolyte layer in a repeating pattern that covers portions of both said second electrode layer and said exposed portions of said first electrode layer for providing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; arranging the electrolyte layer with respect to said first and second electrode layers so that a common face of said electrolyte layer contacts both said first and second electrode layers; and arranging the repeating patterns of said first and second electrode layers to support electronically conductive pathways between said first and second electrode layers so that when said electronically conductive pathways are closed, said exposed portions of said first electrode layer are eroded by electrochemical reactions for displaying visual information.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 60 in which said steps of printing the dielectric and second electrode layers include the step of forming aligned openings in said dielectric and second electrode layers for allowing said exposed portions of the first electrode layer to contact said electrolyte layer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 61 in which said step of forming aligned openings includes forming the opening in said second electrode layer larger than the opening in said dielectric layer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 60 in which said first electrode layer extends continuously between said repeating patterns of said dielectric and second electrode layers.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 63 in which said web is substantially covered by said first electrode layer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 60 in which said step of applying the electrolyte layer includes printing the electrolyte layer.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 60 in which said step of applying the electrolyte layer includes laminating the electrolyte layer together with a supporting substrate to the electrode layers.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
140 words
An electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers laid out in patterns with said second electrode layer at least partially encircling a portion of said first electrode layer; an electrolyte layer covering said encircled portion of the first electrode layer and a surrounding portion of said second electrode layer for completing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; and an electronically conductive pathway that conveys a flow of current between said first and second electrodes in support of an electrochemical reaction that erodes said encircled portion of the first electrode layer, wherein said electrochemical reaction produces a focused electrical field between said encircled portion of the first electrode layer and said surrounding portion of the second electrode layer for enhancing erosion of said encircled portion of the first electrode layer to display visual information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
140 words
An electrochemical display cell comprising: first and second electrode layers laid out in patterns with said second electrode layer at least partially encircling a portion of said first electrode layer; an electrolyte layer covering said encircled portion of the first electrode layer and a surrounding portion of said second electrode layer for completing an ionically conductive pathway between said first and second electrode layers; and an electronically conductive pathway that conveys a flow of current between said first and second electrodes in support of an electrochemical reaction that erodes said encircled portion of the first electrode layer, wherein said electrochemical reaction produces a focused electrical field between said encircled portion of the first electrode layer and said surrounding portion of the second electrode layer for enhancing erosion of said encircled portion of the first electrode layer to display visual information.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
The display cell of claim 67 further comprising a graphics layer that is overlapped by said encircled portion of the first electrode layer and is revealed by the electrochemical reaction that erodes said encircled portion of the first electrode layer.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
52 words
The display cell of claim 68 in which said two electrode layers and said electrolyte layer are mounted between two substrates, and at least one of said substrates is transparent to allow said graphics layer to be viewed through said transparent substrate after said encircled portion of the first electrode has eroded.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display cell of claim 67 in which at least a portion of said second electrode layer overlaps another portion of said first electrode layer.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
43 words
The display cell of claim 70 in which said overlapping portions of said first and second electrode layers are separated by a dielectric layer so that said two electrode layers are electronically isolated from each other in a presence of said electrolyte layer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
33 words
The display cell of claim 67 in which said surrounding portion of the second electrode layer forms an opening that exposes said encircled portion of the first electrode layer to said electrolyte layer.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The display cell of claim 72 in which said opening has a closed shape.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display cell of claim 72 in which said opening takes the form of a character.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-12-14 | 2003-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-06-14 | 2006-12-14 | 2007-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-06-14 | 2010-12-14 | 2011-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |