Abstract:
Anisotropic film laminates for use in image-preserving reflectors such as rearview automotive mirror assemblies, and related methods of fabrication. A film may comprise an anisotropic layer such as a light-polarizing layer and other functional layers. The film having controlled water content is heated under omnidirectional pressure and vacuum to a temperature substantially equal to or above a lower limit of a glass-transition temperature range of the film so as to be laminated to a substrate. The laminate is configured as part of a mirror structure so as to increase contrast of light produced by a light source positioned behind the mirror structure and transmitted through the mirror structure towards a viewer. The mirror structure is devoid of any extended distortion and is characterized by SW and LW values less than 3, more preferably less than 2, and most preferably less than 1.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same, including processes for making such elements and assemblies.
Abstract:
An electrochromic device, system using, and method for, which may pre-activate a buffer is disclosed. The electrochromic device may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic medium. The second substrate may be disposed in apart relationship with the first substrate. The first and second electrodes may be associated with the first and second substrates, respectively. The electrochromic medium may be disposed between the first and second electrodes. Further, the electrochromic medium may comprise electrochromic materials and a redox buffer. Each of the electrochromic materials and the buffer may be operable between activated and deactivated states. The electrochromic device may be configured to apply a voltage to substantially pre-activate the buffer and hold the buffer in this state prior to substantially activating the electrochromic materials, thereby decreasing the response time of the electrochromic device upon activation.
Abstract:
A window control system includes a plurality of electro-optic devices configured to control a transmittance of light through each of the plurality of zones, and at least one sensor configured to identify an intensity of light transmitted through the at least one window. A controller k in communication with the electro-optic devices and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to independently control the transmittance of the light through each of the zones based on at least one of a direction of the light and an intensity of the light detected in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Abstract:
An electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance in response to a control input comprises a first web substrate and a second web substrate. Each of the web substrates form a plurality of perimeter edges. A first edge is in connection with a first electrical terminal connecting in connection with a first electrode. A second edge opposing the first edge is in connection with a second electrical terminal in connection with a second electrode. A third edge and an opposing fourth edge comprise a barrier seal in a first configuration in connection with an exterior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate. The barrier seal encapsulates the electro-optic medium between an interior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate.
Abstract:
A system for heating electro-optic media comprises an electro-optic device comprising: a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces; a chamber defined between the opposed third surface of the second substrate and the second surface of the first substrate; electro-optic medium in chamber; a first electrode associated with second surface of first substrate; and a second electrode associated with third surface of second substrate; and a circuit in communication with first and second electrodes, comprising: a first EMF source capable of producing a first voltage; a second EMF source capable of producing a second voltage different from the first voltage; a plurality of switches configured to control the application of first and second voltages to the first and second electrodes; and a controller configured to control the switches, the first EMF source, and the second EMF source.
Abstract:
A transparency includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface. An optical coating is positioned on the fourth surface and has a refractive index real component n of greater than about 1.6 and an nk ratio greater than about 0.4, both as measured at 550 nm. The optical coating is configured to attenuate the transmission of the second substrate and not substantially affect the reflectivity of the fourth surface, as viewed from the first surface, such that the attenuation factor is less than about 50%.
Abstract:
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.
Abstract:
A variable transmittance electro-optic assembly includes a first partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defining first and second surfaces. A second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are configured to be held in a parallel spaced apart relationship and sealed about a perimeter of the first and second substrates. An electro-optic material is positioned between the second surface and the third surface. The electro-optic assembly includes a principle transflector having a transflector coating on at least one of first and second surfaces. Low reflectance coatings are disposed on secondary surfaces of the variable transmittance electro-optic assembly. The electro-optic assembly has a high double image characteristic defined by a ratio of a reflectance of the transflector coating to a net reflectance of at least one of the secondary surfaces, and further wherein the ratio is greater than 50.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for ion milling, and more particularly relates to methods and apparatus for smoothing a surface using ion milling.