Abstract: Various embodiments provided herein include a primer coating formulation that includes an aqueous dispersion comprising a metal salt and a copolymer of ethylene and one or more acid-based monomers. Also described are embodiments of an aqueous dispersion including a blend a co-binder and ethylene copolymerized with an acid-based monomer neutralized to form an ionomer. Embodiments provided herein also provide a method including applying to a substrate an aqueous dispersion comprising ethylene copolymerized with an acid-based monomer neutralized to form an ionomer.

Abstract: Various embodiments provided herein include a primer coating formulation that includes an aqueous dispersion comprising a metal salt and a copolymer of ethylene and one or more acid-based monomers. Also described are embodiments of an aqueous dispersion including a blend a co-binder and ethylene copolymerized with an acid-based monomer neutralized to form an ionomer. Embodiments provided herein also provide a method including applying to a substrate an aqueous dispersion comprising ethylene copolymerized with an acid- based monomer neutralized to form an ionomer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a first network device to identify the VLAN for which the first network device is a member. In response to the broadcasting of a discovery request message by the first network device, a second network device transmits a first data message including VLAN information relating to the VLANs configured on the network. From the VLAN information, the first network device determines the VLAN ID of the VLAN in which the first network device is a member.

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for one or more electrochromic elements used in an outside electrochromic (OEC) mirror used in automobiles or other vehicular applications, to control the glare of both IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). An ambient light senor (129) and glare sensor (133) operate to determine a glare level used to control both IEC and OEC electrochromic elements. The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be controlled so as to account for various factors such as tinted glass characteristics in the vehicle.

Abstract: A communications system for controlling equipment associated with a vehicle, includes a micro-controller (604) and a digital serial communication link (621, 622, 662, 663) using a multiplexed timing signal and first data signal. A camera or image sensor (650) located in the vehicular component communicates with the micro-controller (604) via the digital serial communication link.

Abstract: An automotive balanced microphone system (300) includes a microphone (303) located in a vehicle mirror (301) connected in a balanced configuration for eliminating noise. A split resistor network (305) is used for supplying a supply voltage to the balanced microphone (303). The split resistor network (305) allows the microphone (303) to be easily powered while noise induced into the supply lines can easily cancelled at the microphone output for use with an electronic device (309).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel and a chuck wall is provided. The apparatus and method employ the use of a biasing member to selectively bias and control movement of the inner pressure sleeve and a die core having an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the punch core. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply circuit is provided for selectively supplying power to a vehicle accessory. The power supply circuit may be comprised of a switch coupled to a power line from the vehicle battery and to a power input of the accessory, and a control circuit coupled to the switch. The control circuit may monitor the battery voltage and selectively supply power from the battery to the accessory in response to the battery voltage. The control circuit may supply power from the battery to the accessory when the battery voltage changes at least a predetermined amount over a time period. The control circuit may comprise a microprocessor that adaptively learns signatures in the battery voltage occurring when the engine is running in order to provide power from the battery to the accessory as if the power were supplied from the ignition.

Abstract: A microphone includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides. The microphone transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which with the circuit produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.

Abstract: A press for forming a container with a bottom profile is provided. The press may have a profile pad that is secured within a base of the press or is secured to a die core riser that is axially movable up and down. The press may have one or more biasing members that accommodate expansion in certain tooling components during operation of the press. The press may have a tool pack of tool components located within a part of the fixed base wherein the tool pack is removable from a top surface of the base. The press may have a punch and a profile pad with an annular projection or an annular shoulder wherein the projection and the shoulder clamp material between the projection and the shoulder and allow the material to roll up a preselected height into the container to form the bottom profile of the container.

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rearview assembly comprising a rearview element, a rearview element support assembly supporting the rearview element and a mount adjacent the housing. The mount is configured to connect the rearview assembly to a windshield. At least one of the rearview element support assembly and the mount comprises a crush bracket having at least two legs adapted to be compressed as a force strikes a front of the rearview element. The crush bracket can include at least one tab contacting a heat emitting component and/or an electrically conductive component of a circuit to provide a heat sink for the heat emitting component or a ground for the electrically conductive component, respectively.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a rearview mirror comprises a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, a reflective coating disposed on a surface of the first substrate, and an electronic circuit component secured to the rear surface of the first substrate. The mirror element may be an electrochromic mirror element comprising a transparent second substrate positioned in front of the first substrate. The electronic component secured to the rear surface may be a component of a drive circuit for the electrochromic mirror element. The rearview mirror element may further comprise electrically conductive tracings provided on the rear surface of the first substrate electrically coupled to the electrical component. The tracings may be used to electrically couple the drive circuit to the electrodes of the electrochromic mirror element. The tracings may be deposited on the rear surface using numerous methods including inkjet printing techniques.