Abstract:
A laser system includes a buffer material at an entry surface of a substrate in which laser-induced channels are formed. The laser beam propagates through the buffer material and impinges the substrate with a central axis of the laser beam at an oblique angle of incidence. The buffer material has a refractive index that may be closer to that of the substrate than is the refractive index of the atmosphere, such as air, in which the laser system operates. The buffer material facilitates forming laser-induced channels at relative large angles with respect to the substrate surface by attenuating energy loss or other effects on the laser beam that are normally caused by the mismatch in refractive index between the environment and the substrate in the absence of the buffer material.
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 rearview assembly having a mounting structure configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A housing is operably connected with the mounting structure and a rearward viewing device is supported by one of the housing and the mounting structure. The rearward viewing device provides a rearward view to a vehicle driver and includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. The entire front surface of the front substrate is exposed and the entire rear substrate is positioned behind the front substrate. A concealing layer is disposed about a periphery of the rearward viewing device between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A partially optically transparent bezel is disposed adjacent to both the rearward viewing device and the housing, the optically transparent bezel having an edge radius greater than 2.5 mm and the optically transparent bezel being substantially flush with the front surface of the front substrate.
Abstract:
A window system is provided that includes an electro-optic element having a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface has a first electrically conductive layer and a second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface has a second electrically conductive layer and a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity that is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A polymeric dust cover is positioned away from the electro-optic element defining at least two major surfaces and at least one indicia disposed in the dust cover. The indicia includes a plurality of damage channels having an aspect ratio greater than about 10:1.
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 emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including first and second surfaces, at least one of which includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate includes third and fourth surfaces, at least one of which includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed around perimeter portions of the first and second substrates, which define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A plurality of beads are disposed in a central portion of the cavity and are movable to a perimeter portion of the cavity. A substantially transparent light emitting display is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.
Abstract:
A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a front substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface; and a rear substrate comprising a third surface and a fourth surface. The rear substrate defines at least one contact via and the front substrate and the rear substrate define a cavity. The mirror assembly further includes a perimeter seal between the front substrate and the rear substrate; and an electrically conductive element at least partially within said at least one contact via that electrically connects with at least one of the second surface and the third surface. The mirror assembly also includes an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity. In addition, the front substrate and the rear substrate each has a shaped edge having a continuously arcuate shape. The shaped edges can also be formed by grinding the edges together.