Abstract: An illumination system is provided that includes a light source configured to emit a first handedness polarization of light onto a body, the first handedness polarization of light having at least one of a circular and an elliptical polarization. The body reflects a second handedness polarization of light. An optical filter is configured to at least one of absorb and reflect the second handedness polarization of light and transmit the first handedness polarization of light.

Abstract: An overmold is disclosed, wherein the overmold may be incorporated into a window assembly. The overmold comprises a base portion and a receiving portion. The receiving portion may comprise a notch or a channel operable to receive a window. The window may be such that when coupled with the overmold, the sides of the overmold and the window are substantially co-planar. Accordingly, window may comprise a first and a second substrate, wherein the second substrate is coupled to a first side of the first substrate. Further, the first substrate may extend beyond the second substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system is configured to monitor a scanning region depicting a subject and includes a monitoring apparatus configured to capture scanning data in the scanning region depicting the subject. A feedback apparatus is configured to communicate alignment information from a portion of the vehicle to the subject. The alignment information indicates an alignment of the subject in the scanning region. A concealment apparatus is configured to conceal the scanning apparatus and selectively transmit the alignment information from the feedback apparatus. The system further includes a controller configured to activate the feedback apparatus revealing the alignment information identifying the alignment of the subject within the scanning region of the monitoring apparatus. The controller is further configured to control the scanning apparatus to capture the scanning data of the subject and monitor the subject in the scanning data.

Abstract: An improved device switchable between reflective and display states comprising an optical element and a display element. The optical element comprising a liquid crystal medium disposed between first and second substrates. The optical element may further comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, an absorptive polarizer, and a reflective polarizer. The first electrode and the absorptive polarizer may be disposed in a first direction relative the liquid crystal medium. Similarly, the second electrode and the reflective polarizer may be disposed in a second direction relative the liquid crystal medium. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the absorptive and reflective polarizers may be further disposed between the first and second substrates. The display may be disposed in the first direction relative the optical element. Additionally, the device may further comprise a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may not have a bezel.

Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.

Abstract: A transparent photovoltaic (TPV) integrated directly into the structure of an electrochromic (EC) device is beneficial in that it can eliminate at least one substrate and provide more uniform coloring. Integration of a transparent photovoltaic with an electrochromic device may also reduce or eliminate the need for an electrical bus on a substrate. In some embodiments, positioning the TPV internally with the EC cell may eliminate the need for additional substrate layers or a conductive layer on one side of the TPV cell. Integrating a PV cell into the EC device can additionally reduce the need for external wiring and an external power supply. Alternatively, the TPV can assist in charging a battery where the battery can be used to power the EC device when there is no sunlight available.

Abstract: An electro-optic element having a groove is disclosed herein. The electro-optic element may include first and second substrates, first and second electrodes, an electro-optic medium, and first and second electrical buses. The first substrate may have a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. The second substrate may be substantially parallel to the first substrate and have a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The groove is defined by a first and/or second substantially flat groove surfaces. The first groove extends between the second surface and the first peripheral edge or the first surface at a non-orthogonal angle. The second groove surface extends between the third surface and the second peripheral edge or the fourth surface at a non-orthogonal angle. The first and second electrical buses are disposed in the groove and are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

Abstract: A movable window apparatus is disclosed. The movable window apparatus may comprise a window panel, a first electrical contact, and a second electrical contact. The window panel is operable between an opened position and a closed position. The first electrical contact is coupled to the window panel. The second electrical contact is coupled to the vehicle. Further, the first electrical contact is operable to engage the second electrical contact when the window panel is in a first position and disengage the second electrical contact when the window panel is out of the first position. Engagement of the second electrical contact by the first electrical contact forms a conductive connection. This conductive connection has the advantage of being engageable and dis-engageable. Accordingly, the movable window apparatus enables a conductive connection with a window panel without inhibiting the movement of the window panel between two or more positions.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

Abstract: An optical module for a vehicle includes an imager configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate a lens of the imager. The cover includes an electro-optic cell aligned with the lens and configured to allow the imager to capture the image data through the cover. The cover is colored to match one of an interior and exterior body panel of the vehicle. The electro-optic cell is operable between a first condition wherein the electro-optic cell has a visible light transmission of greater than 50% and a second condition wherein the visible light transmission of the electro-optic cell is less than 15%.

Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A primary seal is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity. A fill port extends through the primary seal. A secondary seal is disposed proximate a side of the primary seal. The primary seal and the secondary seal define a channel. A sealing plug is disposed within the channel.

Abstract: An electro-optic element of a display of a vehicle includes a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A first edge extends around the first substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A second edge extends around the second substrate. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. First and second electrical buses are positioned on the first edge and the second edge, respectively. A dual coated film is positioned between the first and second electrical buses. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

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 vehicle display assembly may comprise a transparent element defining a viewing surface, a display element disposed behind the transparent element, and a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the display element. The display element is configured to generate an image visible through the transparent element. The vehicle display assembly may be in communication with at least one of a vehicle sensor and a vehicle computer. The images appearing in the display element may change orientation based on the presence or absence of a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle sunroof comprising an electro-optic device is disclosed. The electro-optic device forms a variable transmission window comprising a first layer, a second layer, and an electro-optic medium disposed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one of the first layer and the second layer correspond to a polymeric film. The sunroof further comprises a frame configured to connect the electro-optic device to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-optic assembly for use in a vehicle having a windshield is provided and includes a first arcuate substrate having a first surface with an anti-reflective coating and a second surface. A second arcuate substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface with an anti-reflective coating. The first and second substrates are positioned such that the second and third surfaces are at least 0.1 mm apart. A seal is disposed between the first and second substrates and located substantially about a periphery of the electro-optic assembly. An electro-optic medium is positioned in a cavity defined by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the seal, the electro-optic medium including a refractive index greater than 1.2. The second surface is configured to receive and reflect incident light projected from a projector, thereby displaying information that appears to be displayed forward of the windshield.

Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle may comprise a display module comprising a display element; a partially reflective, partially transmissive element disposed generally parallel to the display element; optical bonding adhesive having a refractive index disposed between the display element and the partially reflective, partially transmissive element; and a plurality of refracting beads having a refractive index and incorporated in or on the optical bonding adhesive; wherein the display is optically bonded to the partially reflective, partially transmissive element with the optical bonding adhesive.