Abstract: A day/night rearview mirror comprises an optical medium which is electrically driven between transmissive and opaque states. The mirror comprises a housing containing a circuit board assembly over which a mirrored reflecting surface is disposed. The mirrored reflecting surface is in turn overlaid by an optical transmission plate containing the optical medium. The transmission plate, mirror and circuit board are retained on the housing by means of a bezel. Electrical conductivity from the circuit board to the transmission plate is provided by helical coiled spring conductors which are conveniently supported in sleeves integrally formed with a retaining frame for the mirrored reflecting surface of the mirror. The circuit board contains a circuit for controlling the optical transmission plate and suitable controls which are accessible to the user to adjust certain operational characteristics of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system comprises an electrically controlled optical transmission plate disposed over a reflecting surface. The optical transmission plate is selectively operable to any of a number of different states of opaqueness between a maximum light transmission and a maximum opaqueness. The opaqueness of the optical transmission plate is controlled by an electronic circuit which includes two sensors, one for sensing the brightness of incident light from the field of view and the other for sensing ambient light. The control operates to cause the light which is incident on the reflecting surface to be closed loop regulated to a desired degree of brightness which is also correlated with ambient light conditions. A manually operable adjustment is also provided for the observer to set a desired brightness characteristic.

Abstract: A shading system comprising a liquid crystal panel made up of individual zones. The panel is illustrated in application to a motor vehicle sunroof to provide selective shading of the interior of the vehicle passenger compartment. A control system is associated with the zones of the liquid crystal panel to develop particular shading patterns by the selective energization of particular zones. Manual controls may be used to establish the desired shading pattern, and an automatic control capability is also provided whereby once a desired shading pattern has been set by use of the manual controls, the automatic control can energize the appropriate zones as the relative position of the sun to the vehicle changes so that the same interior space as originally set continues to be shaded. A joy stick controls the position of the shade, a size potentiometer controls the size of the shade, and a density potentiometer controls the degree of opaqueness of the shade.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel shading system is disclosed in which the light transmission characteristics of a liquid crystal panel are varied to produce desired shading effects. The preferred embodiment is disclosed in the application to a windshield sun visor for an automotive vehicle. The panel may be a separate element applied against the existing windshield or it may be integrally incorporated into the windshield. The panel is constructed with a tapered shape, which in association with a control, is effective to produce zones of varying light transmission characteristics to produce new and unique modes of shading.

Abstract: A headlamp washing assembly including spray nozzles disposed above automotive headlamps. A liquid storage reservoir stores cleaning liquid to be dispensed by the nozzles and is disposed above the nozzles to provide a gravity feed of the liquid from the reservoir to the nozzles. A gas storage tank stores gas supplied to it from a source and supplies the pressurized gas to force the liquid through the nozzles. A solenoid actuated valve is in communication with the liquid storage reservoir, the gas storage tank, the source of pressurized gas and the nozzles through appropriate conduits. The valve has a first position for charging the gas storage tank from the source of gas while simultaneously charging the metering conduits leading to the nozzles with liquid from the liquid storage tank. The valve has a second position for subjecting the metering conduits to gas from the gas storage tank to force liquid through the conduits and out the nozzles.