Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a curved, conductively coated glass member, and the resulting product, by providing for a sufficient degree of substoichiometry at the moment of bend that the glass can be bent using conventional bending techniques without crazing the coating. Two alternative methods for achieving the degree of substoichiometry are disclosed. One involves coating the part to an initial light transmittance (T.sub.o) which is lower than that typically sought by prior artisans. The other involves bending the part in a reducing environment. Also disclosed is a method for increasing conductivity of the coating by exposing the coated part to a reducing environment at temperatures considerably higher than those heretofore thought feasible for use in reduction curing.

Abstract: A day/night rearview mirror assembly for vehicles including a one-piece, molded, resinous mirror case having flexible, resilient portions and a substantially rigid pivot actuator which is biased by the case into either a day or night position. Movement of the actuator changes the position of the case and mirror element thereby changing the amount of light reflected. An interference fit between supports for the actuator within the case and the pivot actuator expands and pre-stresses the case to provide a predetermined biasing force which must be overcome by a pivoting force to move the actuator between its positions. A continuous lip extending around the periphery of the case allows snap-in insertion and permanent retention of a preferably prismatic mirror element. The retaining lip is sized to maintain coverage of the edge of the mirror element even during flexing of the case while the actuator is pivoted.

Abstract: An inside rearview mirror assembly for vehicles preferably including four parts, namely, a molded breakaway mirror support bracket, a molded mirror case, a prismatic reflective mirror element, and a rigid, molded pivot actuator for moving the case and mirror element between day and night positions for reduced glare. The support bracket has a body with an I-beam configuration in cross section and vibration reducing ribs extending between front and rear flanges adjacent a central web defining the I-beam shape. Resilient clips define grooves for receipt of a windshield mounted button over which the bracket is slid and snapped on. Resilient tension and support members are included along with at least one resilient retainer to keep the bracket on the button. The case includes a peripheral lip allowing snap-in insertion of the mirror element and flexible resilient portions which provide a biasing force urging the pivot actuator into either the day or night position.

Abstract: A lightweight, economical window assembly for vehicles which is assembled to a vehicle as a unit preferably from the exterior, while providing strength, decorative trim, as well as a sealing function. The assembly includes a window pane, one of several types of decorative frame or trim members surrounding the pane, and one or more attaching members secured directly to the pane but concealed from view from the exterior of the assembly. Preferably the pane is glass and the attaching members are metallic studs rigidly and securely bonded directly to the glass surface with a suitable adhesive system such as that marketed under the Tenabond trademark.

Abstract: A hinged window assembly for vehicles and the like comprises a rigid support having a base fastened to the upper side of a window frame, and a depending flange with a free edge. An edge molding strip envelops the periphery of a window pane, and includes a flexible hinge segment with one portion adhered to the support flange adjacent the free edge thereof to pivotally mount the window pane in the frame. An inner portion of the hinge segment forms a web which extends over and covers the flange interior to the support base, thereby forming a flexible seal. The web is unattached to the interior surface of the support flange, such that the window can be pivoted beyond a normally fully open position to conveniently install the window in the frame without damaging the seal.

Abstract: The specification discloses a constant torque pivot assembly for connecting a pivot arm supporting a mirror or the like to a support bracket coupled to the side of a vehicle. A pivot axle extends through apertures in the pivot arm and the support bracket and has heads at the extremities to compress therebetween noncorrosive washers and a spring so that relative rotational movement between the pivot arm and the support bracket is resisted by a constant torque.

Abstract: This specification discloses a vehicular mirror assembly adapted for exterior use on vehicles and is corrosion resistant, has low vibration, resists unintentional adjustment and may be adjusted when desired to a full range of positions. A mirror head housing is attached to a vehicular body housing by a support shaft pivotally secured to each housing by a pivot assembly. Each pivot assembly includes two coacting journal bearing members with a frictional member therebetween to provide a constant biasing force continuously over the life of the assembly which resists rotation of the shaft with respect to the housings. In the preferred embodiment, one of the journal bearing members is a serpentine spring.

Abstract: A vehicular assembly formed as a complete unit prior to installation and adapted to be installed as a unit from the exterior of the vehicle body with only final securement of attachment means being necessary from the interior of the vehicle body. The assembly includes a molded plastic casing or gasket, a transparent window around which the casing or gasket is molded, and an attachment member. The attachment member may be a continuous rigid frame concealed from view from the outside of the assembly having a portion embedded within the casing and a portion extending from the casing by which the entire assembly is secured to the vehicle body. Alternately, separate attaching members are embedded within the casing. Decorative strips may be secured to the casing exterior. The casing may be molded around only one edge of the window thereby forming a flexible, resilient hinge allowing the window to be moved between open and closed positions.

Abstract: This specification discloses a pivot support bracket for mounting a pivotable member supporting a mirror or the like. The bracket includes a base having an integral flange for strengthening and rigidifying the base and partially covering a coupling including a pivot axle between the base and the pivotable member. Further, the pivot axle serves both as the axis of rotation of the pivotable member and, together with a spring, as a structure for applying a constant, preset, externally nonadjustable biasing force against detent means which rotationally stabilize and resist rotation of the pivotable member with respect to the base. Applying a pivoting force above a certain magnitude to the pivotable member overcomes the biasing force and permits rotation of the pivotable member with respect to the base.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing an optical element sample such as a mirror simultaneously and substantially instantaneously both for the total amount of light reflected from and the total amount of light transmitted by a predetermined area of that sample. The apparatus includes a pair of axially aligned light-integrating spheres between which is clamped the test sample so that no light enters or escapes from either sphere. A preferably optically regulated, substantially collimated beam of light is directed through one sphere against the test sample at an angle to the sphere axis. Silicon photo-voltaic light sensitive detectors connected to amplified readout units indicate the total light reflectivity in one sphere and the total light transmission to the other sphere.

Abstract: A method for forming mirror assemblies, especially rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles, wherein a thermoplastic mirror case is held inverted with its side wall portions extending downwardly. The side wall portions are softened by immersion in a heated bath and are pressed into a forming die which supports a reflective mirror element to form an arcuate mirror element retaining lip about the peripheral edges of the mirror element. Apparatus for performing the method includes an indexing table which sequentially moves the cases and mirror elements loaded thereon to one position, removes the cases from the table, combines them with the mirror elements via the forming die, and returns the completed assemblies to the table.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly formed as a complete unit prior to installation and adapted to be installed as a unit from the exterior of the vehicle body with only final securement of attaching means being necessary from the interior of the vehicle body. The assembly includes a molded plastic casing or gasket, a transparent window covering an aperture in the casing and an attachment member for attaching the casing to the body having a portion molded or embedded within the casing. The attaching portion preferably includes a frame bezel and retaining projections extending into the casing or gasket on one side of the frame. Together with the resilient gasket or casing, the projections accommodate any deviations in contour or curvature between the frame and window. The gasket or casing is preferably injection molded polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The specification discloses a defrosting mirror especially adapted for outdoor use such as on the exterior of vehicles. The mirror includes an electrically conductive, resistive coating applied to a surface of a light reflective mirror element. The coating includes micro-sized graphite particles dispersed throughout a resinous binder material such that electricity flows through the coating to generate heat which is transferred to the mirror element. A resinous primer layer intermediate the coating and mirror element bonds the coating to the mirror element for retention of the conductive, resistive coating especially when the mirror is exposed to humidity, salt spray, or other environmental or weather conditions.

Abstract: A strengthened, reinforced safety mirror especially adapted for use in interior rearview mirror assemblies in vehicles used in varying climates. The safety mirror has increased tensile strength and resistance against bending, breakage, and shattering as well as the ability to retain any glass fragments when broken. The mirror includes a reinforcing sheet means secured with adhering or bonding means to the rear surface of the glass mirror element. The reinforcing sheet means has a coefficient of thermal expansion matched to that of the glass to prevent differential expansion between the glass and the reinforcing sheet thereby assuring a secure bond between the same and preventing distortion of the glass in substantially all temperatures. The density of the reinforcing sheet is also preferably matched to the viscosity of the bonding means to further insure a secure bond and proper strength of the mirror.

Abstract: A lightweight rearview mirror assembly for vehicles and a method for forming the same. The assembly includes a case formed from a thermoplastic material and a mirror element mounted therein. A thin, upstanding edge of the case is heated and curled into an arcuate, peripheral, retaining edge extending over the entire length of the mirror edge. The curled, arcuate edge defines therewithin a space extending between the entire thickness of the peripheral edges of the mirror and the case which allows the mirror and case to expand or contract in extreme temperatures without expelling or breaking the mirror element. Means are provided for preventing the mirror from vibrating within the case.