Abstract: A laser system and method includes control of the direction of polarization of a laser beam that forms laser-induced channels in a substrate along a process path. Control of the direction of polarization is useful while forming laser-induced channels in substrate materials having a crystalline component. An optical element, such as a waveplate, imparts the laser beam with a direction of polarization that is controllable with respect to an axis of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the system for processing. The direction of polarization is changeable and controllable with respect to the direction of the process path and/or a crystalline plane of the substrate via movement of the optical element or the substrate or both.

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 vehicular rearview assembly, includes a front substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. The front substrate being substantially transparent. The front substrate defines a shaped edge along a periphery of the first surface. A first polarizer is coupled with the second surface. An electro-optic element is coupled to the first polarizer having a first substrate defining a first element surface and a 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 fourth element surface. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization into the second polarizer. A reflective layer is positioned between the front substrate and the display is configured to reflect both the first polarization of light and a second polarization of light.

Abstract: An illumination assembly configured to emit diffuse light through an indicator is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substrate having an applique disposed thereon. The applique forms an opening configured to transmit light through the substrate. The assembly further comprises a light source in connection with a circuit and configured to emit light through the shape. A diffusing layer is applied to a surface of the assembly between the circuit and the substrate. The diffusing layer comprises a resin material configured to cure in response to exposure to ultraviolet light or heat. The diffusing layer further comprises a filler material comprising a plurality of beaded structures configured to diffuse light from the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and process that includes a substantially transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the substantially transparent substrate, wherein the edge is a laser induced channel edge having enhanced edge characteristics.

Abstract: An electro-optic element is provided that includes a first substrate having a first surface, and a second surface having a first electrically conductive portion disposed thereon. The element also includes a second substrate having a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second electrically conductive portion disposed on at least the third surface. A primary seal is between the second and third surfaces, wherein the seal and the second and third surfaces define a cavity. An electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity. In addition, the second surface further includes at least one indicia disposed thereon between the electro-optic medium and the second surface.

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: A product includes a substrate that is at least partially transparent to visible light. The substrate includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a conductive layer disposed on the opposing second surface. The conductive layer has a first ablated area and a second ablated area entirely disposed within and overlapping a portion of the first ablated area. The second ablated area includes a selectively visible indicia.

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: An electro-optic assembly of a vehicle includes a first substrate with a first surface and a second surface and a second substrate with a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are configured to be held in a parallel spaced apart relationship. A transflective coating is positioned on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the first substrate. An antireflective electrode positioned on at least one of the second and third surfaces. An antireflection coating is positioned on at least one of the first surface and the fourth surface. An electro-optic medium is positioned between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is configured to reflect an image from a projector of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is presented that includes a full display module and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate has third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is 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. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element.

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: 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: 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 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: An electro-optic assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a front substrate having a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; a rear substrate spaced from and substantially parallel to the front substrate. The rear substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface substantially parallel to the third surface. The assembly further comprises an electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to an electrode in proximity to an electro-optic material and an appliqué layer. The appliqué layer is on at least a portion of the fourth surface and forms a contact-obscuring.

Abstract: An electro-optic assembly configured to be operably connected to a heads up display system of a vehicle is provided that includes a first substrate with a first surface, a second surface, and a second substrate with a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are configured to be held in a parallel spaced apart relationship and sealed around a perimeter of the first and second substrates. An antireflection coating is positioned on the third surface of the second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate. A transflective coating is positioned on at least one of the first and second surfaces and an electrochromic medium is positioned between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is configured to reflect an image from a projector of the heads up display system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.

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 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.