Abstract:
An electro-optic assembly includes a first partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A space is defined between a first substrate and a second substrate. An electro-optic material is disposed between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is operable to change the transmittance state in either a discrete or continuous manner. A transflective coating is disposed on the second surface. The transflective coating includes a silver conductive layer and an overcoat layer including one of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and a noble metal. The overcoat layer is disposed between the silver conductive layer and the electro-optic material.
Abstract:
A laser ablated product exhibits a diffraction severity of less than about 5. The product may include a substrate that is at least partially transparent to visible light, and a periodic structure formed on at least one surface of the substrate by laser ablation. The periodic structure has a period in at least one direction of at least about 4,500 nm to at most about 850,000 nm, and the periodic structure has a peak-to-valley dimension of less than about 25 nm. The product may be employed in an electrochromic device, such as a vehicle rearview mirror assembly.
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 laminated film 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:
An electro-optic assembly includes a first partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A space is defined between a first substrate and a second substrate. An electro-optic material is disposed between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is operable to change the transmittance state in either a discrete or continuous manner. A transflective coating is disposed on the second surface. The transflective coating includes a silver conductive layer and an overcoat layer including one of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and a noble metal. The overcoat layer is disposed between the silver conductive layer and the electro-optic material.
Abstract:
An electro-optic assembly includes a first partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A space is defined between a first substrate and a second substrate. A seal is disposed about a perimeter of the first and second substrates. An electro-optic material is disposed between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is operable to change at least one of a reflectance state and a transmittance state in either a discrete or continuous manner. A transparent electrode coating is disposed between the second surface and the third surface. The transparent electrode coating includes an insulator layer, metal layer, and insulator layer (IMI) structure. The reflectance off of the transparent electrode coating is less than about 2%.
Abstract:
A vehicular rearview assembly that has a rounded outer perimeter edge to satisfy safety standards and contains an EC element having a complex peripheral ring, a front surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure, in cooperation with electronic circuitry of the assembly, pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. A complex peripheral ring may include multiple bands the structures of which is adapted to provide for specified optical characteristics of light, reflected off of the ring. 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:
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:
A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
Abstract:
Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.