Crown ElectroKinetics Corp. (Crown) develops and sells optical switching film that can be embedded between the sheets of glass or applied to the surface of glass, or other rigid substrates, such as acrylic, to electronically control opacity (DynamicTint).
Originally developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), the company's technology allows a transition between clear and dark in seconds and can be applied to a wide array of windows, including commercial buildings, automotive sunroofs, and residential sk...
Crown ElectroKinetics Corp. (Crown) develops and sells optical switching film that can be embedded between the sheets of glass or applied to the surface of glass, or other rigid substrates, such as acrylic, to electronically control opacity (DynamicTint).
Originally developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), the company's technology allows a transition between clear and dark in seconds and can be applied to a wide array of windows, including commercial buildings, automotive sunroofs, and residential skylights and windows. At the core of Crown's proprietary and patent-protected technology is a thin film that is powered by electrically charged pigment, which not only replaces common window tints but is also a more sustainable alternative to traditional window treatments. Crown partners with leading glass and film manufacturers for mass production and distribution of DynamicTint.
Electrokinetic Film Technology
Crown's electrokinetic (EK) technology is derived from proprietary ink and microfluidic technology developed at HP. Electrokinetic refers to the movement of particles within a fluid under the influence of an electric field. The company's EK film technology utilizes nanometer-sized pigment particles that are electrically charged and suspended in a liquid that is sandwiched between two clear substrates that are coated with a transparent conductor oxide (TCO) film.
The company's plastic films are manufactured using industry standard roll-to-roll (R2R) processing equipment. Its R2R processing will have an inherently lower manufacturing cost compared to sheet-based processing methods used for other smart window technologies like electrochromic glass. There are three basic steps to making our film using R2R equipment.
Smart Window Insert (Inserts)
The company's first product will be the Smart Window Insert powered by DynamicTint, which is specifically designed for retrofitting in the domestic and international commercial real estate install base. Its DynamicTint can be laminated to other surfaces like heat-treated glass or acrylic and the laminated sheet can be assembled in Smart Window Inserts that can be placed into the interior side of the window frame providing the dynamic tinting capability, as well as additional insulation and sound proofing to the existing windows.
The Insert is a custom-sized panel comprised of a rigid substrate (acrylic or thin glass) with a silicon compliant edge seal that allows for the insert to securely fit into the interior side of the window frame.
Crown's Smart Window Inserts can be easily installed into commercial buildings, skylights, residential windows, and windows within garage doors. In commercial buildings, the company's Smart Window Inserts can be used to convert existing single pane windows into dual pane windows.
Intellectual Property
On January 31, 2016, the company entered into an IP agreement with HP to acquire a research license to determine the feasibility of incorporating HP's electrokinetic display technology in its products. On February 4, 2021, Crown and HP entered into a fourth amendment to the agreement. Pursuant to such amendment, among other items, the parties agreed to amend the list of patent and patent applications, which includes two additional patents (the 'HP Patents') that are assignable to the company by HP upon the exercise of its option to acquire the HP Patents (the 'Option').
The company entered into a Patent Assignment Agreement with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) to acquire an ownership interest in assigned patents.
In addition, the company has patent applications in the United States and other countries that if granted, would add three additional patents to its portfolio. The company's United States patents expire at various dates from March 26, 2028 through March 10, 2036.
Partners and Customers
In March 2022, the company executed a Master Supply Agreement (the 'BDN MSA') with Brandywine Operating Partnerships L.P. to install its Smart Window Inserts powered by DynamicTint in Brandywine office buildings. The BDN MSA provides the master terms and conditions under which purchase orders will be executed for the company to supply units to retrofit windows at certain locations.
In December 2021, the company executed a Master Supply Agreement (the HPP MSA) with Hudson Pacific Properties L.P. for the installation of its energy saving Smart Window Inserts in several office properties across its West Coast portfolio. The HPP MSA provides the master terms and conditions under which purchase orders will be executed for Crown to supply units to retrofit windows at certain locations.
Prior to this, in September 2021, the company had entered into a Master Supply Agreement with MetroSpaces Inc., Crown's first commercial customer, install its Smart Window Inserts in MetroSpaces' 70,000 square-foot Houston, Texas office building.
History
The company was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2015. It was formerly known as 3D Nanocolor Corp. and changed its name to Crown ElectroKinetics Corp. in 2017.
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