Abstract: A method for mounting an accessory at a vehicular windshield includes adhesively attaching a base portion of each of at least three fixing elements at an interior cabin side of the windshield in a spaced apart non-contiguous manner. A frame includes a plurality of individual receiving portions. With the windshield installed in the vehicle, the frame is attached at the fixing elements via receiving an elongated portion of a respective and corresponding one of the fixing elements in a respective and corresponding one of the receiving portions of the frame. With the windshield installed in the vehicle, and with the frame attached at the fixing elements, a camera is disposed at the frame and received at structure of the frame, such that the camera views through the windshield via an aperture existing in the frame and a light transmissive aperture in a light absorbing layer of the windshield.

Abstract: A method for mounting an accessory at a vehicular windshield includes adhesively attaching a base portion of each of at least three fixing elements at an interior cabin side of the windshield in a spaced apart non-contiguous manner. A frame includes a plurality of individual receiving portions. With the windshield installed in the vehicle, the frame is attached at the fixing elements via receiving an elongated portion of a respective and corresponding one of the fixing elements in a respective and corresponding one of the receiving portions of the frame. With the windshield installed in the vehicle, and with the frame attached at the fixing elements, a camera is disposed at the frame and received at structure of the frame, such that the camera views through the windshield via an aperture existing in the frame and a light transmissive aperture in a light absorbing layer of the windshield.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system includes a plurality of individual fixing elements configured to be adhesively attached at a surface of a vehicle windshield. With the fixing elements adhesively attached at the windshield, the fixing elements are spaced apart from one another. Each of the fixing elements includes a base portion that is configured to be directly adhesively attached at the windshield and an elongated portion that extends from the base portion in a direction away from the windshield when the base portion is attached at the windshield. A frame has a plurality of individual receiving portions. The elongated portions of the fixing elements are at least partially received in respective and corresponding ones of the receiving portions of the frame to attach the frame at the windshield when the fixing elements are attached at the surface of the windshield. The frame comprises structure for receiving an accessory thereat.

Abstract: A temperature sensor system for a vehicle includes a temperature sensor assembly having a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body, and a thermally conductive contacting element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive contacting element is urged into contact with an interior cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle for sensing the temperature of the vehicle windshield. A controller, responsive to the temperature sensing element and another temperature sensing element and a humidity sensing element of the vehicle, is operable to calculate an ambient dew point and to control a cabin climate control system of the vehicle responsive to the calculated ambient dew point. The other temperature sensing element is mounted in the vehicle away from the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system includes a plurality of individual fixing elements configured to be adhesively attached at a surface of a vehicle windshield. With the fixing elements adhesively attached at the windshield, the fixing elements are spaced apart from one another. Each of the fixing elements includes a base portion that is configured to be directly adhesively attached at the windshield and an elongated portion that extends from the base portion in a direction away from the windshield when the base portion is attached at the windshield. A frame has a plurality of individual receiving portions. The elongated portions of the fixing elements are at least partially received in respective and corresponding ones of the receiving portions of the frame to attach the frame at the windshield when the fixing elements are attached at the surface of the windshield. The frame comprises structure for receiving an accessory thereat.

Abstract: A temperature sensor system for a vehicle includes a temperature sensor assembly having a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body, and a thermally conductive contacting element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive contacting element is urged into contact with an interior cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle for sensing the temperature of the vehicle windshield. A controller, responsive to the temperature sensing element and another temperature sensing element and a humidity sensing element of the vehicle, is operable to calculate an ambient dew point and to control a cabin climate control system of the vehicle responsive to the calculated ambient dew point. The other temperature sensing element is mounted in the vehicle away from the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly may include a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element within the body, and a thermally conductive element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive element may have a substantially planar exposed upper surface, with the temperature sensing element in thermal communication with a lower surface of the thermally conductive element. A thermally insulating housing assembly may have an upper end surrounding and supporting the temperature sensing element, with the housing assembly extending downwardly away from the lower surface of the thermally conductive element and having an internal air gap surrounding leads for the temperature sensing element. A mirror mounting system may include a mounting bracket adapted for releasable connection to a vehicle window, with the sensor assembly resiliently mounted to the bracket and urged against the window when the bracket is connected to the window.

Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly may include a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element within the body, and a thermally conductive element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive element may have a substantially planar exposed upper surface, with the temperature sensing element in thermal communication with a lower surface of the thermally conductive element. A thermally insulating housing assembly may have an upper end surrounding and supporting the temperature sensing element, with the housing assembly extending downwardly away from the lower surface of the thermally conductive element and having an internal air gap surrounding leads for the temperature sensing element. A mirror mounting system may include a mounting bracket adapted for releasable connection to a vehicle window, with the sensor assembly resiliently mounted to the bracket and urged against the window when the bracket is connected to the window.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a bezel and a mirror element located behind the bezel and viewable through an opening formed by the bezel. A backplate, formed by molding and having a first pivot element integrally formed on a side thereof, is securely fixed to a rear portion of the mirror element by direct attachment at least at a central region of the mirror element. A support bracket for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly to a portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle includes a second pivot element that connects with the first pivot element of the backplate to form a pivot joint that enables angular adjustment by the driver of the rearward field of view provided by the mirror element. Circuitry is supported by the backplate and a housing, principally serving as a cosmetic shroud, connects with the bezel.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a bezel and a mirror element located behind the bezel and viewable through an opening formed by the bezel. A backplate, formed by molding and having a first pivot element integrally formed on a side thereof, is securely fixed to a rear portion of the mirror element by direct attachment at least at a central region of the mirror element. A support bracket for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly to a portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle includes a second pivot element that connects with the first pivot element of the backplate to form a pivot joint that enables angular adjustment by the driver of the rearward field of view provided by the mirror element. Circuitry is supported by the backplate and a housings, principally serving as a cosmetic shroud, connects with the bezel.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.

Abstract: An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system is provided for a vehicle, comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optic reflective element and an interior mirror housing for said reflective element. The mirror assembly includes a mount for attachment to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The control includes a microprocessor that functions as a controller of a plurality of vehicle functions, the plurality of functions including the reflectance state of the electro-optic reflective element. The control includes a connection to a vehicle bus for receiving control signals via the bus for processing by the microprocessor.

Abstract: An electro-optic rearriew mirror system for a vehicle comprises a mirror housing (10) containing an electro-optic mirror unit (18). A pair of light sensors (24, 26) for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle are also mounted in the mirror housing. Control circuitry mounted on a PCB (36) is responsive to a signal (34) from the light sensors (24, 26) to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit (18). The PCB (36) is mounted in a header (16) on the interior ceiling of the vehicle separate from the mirror housing (10).

Abstract: A lighted vehicular mirror assembly includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, and two lamp assemblies, each having a light source, a reflector member, and a lens. Each reflector member is shaped to direct light emitted by the light source to form a pattern of light directed generally downwardly and rearwardly when the light source is electrically activated. The reflector and lens in each lamp assembly work with one another to collect and direct light to different areas of the vehicle, preferably the lap areas of the driver and front seat passenger of the vehicle. Each reflector member preferably minimizes at least one of light bending, shaping and diffusing of light by its respective lens.

Abstract: An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system is provided for a vehicle, comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optic reflective element and an interior mirror housing for said reflective element. The mirror assembly includes a mount for attachment to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The control includes a microprocessor that functions as a controller of a plurality of vehicle functions, the plurality of functions including the reflectance state of the electro-optic reflective element. The control includes a connection to a vehicle bus for receiving control signals via the bus for processing by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A lighted vehicular mirror assembly includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, and at least one lamp assembly having a light source, a reflector member, and a lens. The reflector member is shaped to direct light emitted by the light source to form a pattern of light directed generally downwardly and rearwardly when the light source is electrically activated. A lens provides shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of the reflector and includes a first prescription region, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region.

Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior mirror housing (10) containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit (18). At least one light sensor, and preferably a pair of light sensors (24, 26), is provided for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle. Control circuitry, which may be mounted on a PCB (36), is responsive to an output (34) from the at least one light sensor (24, 26) to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit (18).

Abstract: A rearview mirror for vehicles includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, at least one lamp assembly having a reflector member which substantially directs light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle, and a circuit board mounted within the mirror case and having at least one holder for holding a light source which projects into the reflector member. A lens provides shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of the reflector and includes a prescription region which focuses light from the reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region.