Reflection-type (e.g., Display Device) Patents (Class 359/267)
  • Publication number: 20140209790
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror system is provided. The electro-optic rearview mirror system includes an inside electro-optic rearview mirror element and an outside electro-optic rearview mirror element in series with the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element. A drive circuit is in electrical communication with the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element and the outside electro-optic rearview mirror element and includes a first power operational amplifier and a second power operational amplifier, both of which are configured as voltage followers. The drive circuit is configured to apply overvoltage to the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element if the outside electro-optic rearview mirror element is shorted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, G. Bruce Poe
  • Patent number: 8786931
    Abstract: There is provided an electrochromic display that includes a display substrate, which includes a display electrode on a first substrate and an insulating film on or above the display electrode; a counter substrate having a counter electrode on a second substrate, the counter substrate facing the display substrate; and a color-developing layer containing an electrochromic material disposed in a region surrounded by a sealing member between the display substrate and the counter substrate. The insulating film is disposed on or above the display electrode except for a display region of the display electrode in the region surrounded by the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Fukushima, Yoshihisa Iwamoto, Yasuo Toko
  • Publication number: 20140192520
    Abstract: A mirror element sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and an indicator. The front side of the mirror back plate includes a reflective element attaching portion and the rear side of the mirror back plate includes (i) an actuator attaching portion and (ii) an indicator attaching portion, all of which are integrally formed during injection molding of the mirror back plate. The indicator attaching portion includes structure extending from the rear side of the mirror back plate and having a passageway therethrough. The indicator is attached at the structure, and light emitted by the indicator passes through the passageway and through an opening of the mirror back plate and through the mirror reflective element so as to exit from the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the reflective element attaching portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8773746
    Abstract: An all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic element having a multilayer film formed on a transparent substrate, which is characterized in that the multilayer film has a multilayer structure comprising at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, a catalyst layer, a reflective dimming layer, and a protective layer formed on the transparent substrate, and which is sealed with the protective layer, and a dimming member comprising the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazuki Tajima, Yasusei Yamada, Kazuki Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20140168745
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel for displaying a white image; an electrochromic layer stacked on the display panel; a voltage application unit for applying a driving voltage to the electrochromic layer; and a display unit for displaying the white image on the display panel. The electrochromic layer allows a spectrum of light to be transmitted therethrough to be controlled in accordance with the driving voltage applied thereto; and the voltage application unit controls the driving voltage to be applied to the electrochromic layer in synchronization with display of the image on the display panel by the display unit, thus to control the spectrum of the light to be transmitted through the electrochromic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Toshihiro SATOU, Yukio MATSUMOTO
  • Patent number: 8754844
    Abstract: Provided is a display device using electrowetting including a reservoir layer in which a reservoir for storing oil and transparent water-soluble liquid is formed. A first electrode and a second electrode may be formed on an upper surface of the reservoir layer and on an inner wall of the reservoir, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-mok Bae
  • Patent number: 8736940
    Abstract: A method of forming a mirror reflective element assembly includes providing front and rear substrates and establishing a curved recess at a second surface of the front substrate and establishing a mirror reflector coating at the curved recess. An uncured seal is dispensed on a dispensing surface and has a first gap between terminal ends of said seal. The uncured seal is dispensed substantially around a principal reflecting region and a spotter region and defines a second gap between spaced apart portions of the uncured seal at an outboard region of the spotter region. A portion of the uncured seal is dispensed across the spotter region. The first gap provides a fill port for said mirror reflective element assembly when the front and rear substrates are mated together, and the second gap provides a vent port for the spotter cavity when the front and rear substrates are mated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Rawlings
  • Publication number: 20140139901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
  • Patent number: 8730551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Henry A. Luten, David J. Cammenga, Juan C. Lara, Jeffrey A. Forgette
  • Patent number: 8730553
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate. The housing includes an element that protrudes beyond a rear surface of the glass substrate and towards the front surface of the glass substrate when the reflective element is at least partially received at the housing. The glass substrate includes a slanted rear perimeter edge-portion along a perimeter circumference of the rear surface of the glass substrate to at least partially accommodate the element of the housing when the reflective element is at least partially received at the housing. The glass substrate includes a beveled front perimeter along a perimeter circumference of the front surface of the glass substrate. The beveled front perimeter of the glass substrate is exposed and viewable by the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Donald S. Rawlings, John T. Uken
  • Patent number: 8730559
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multicolor display optical composition comprising a dispersion medium, a periodic structure having a porous structure inside communicated with the outside, and mobile particles contained in the dispersion medium so as to be movable and having a volume average primary particle diameter from 1 nm to 80 nm in a dispersion state in the dispersion medium, a volume average particle diameter of coagulated particles of 100 nm or larger in optical coagulation state by stimulation application, and having a refractive index different from that of the dispersion medium by 0.1 or more, wherein the mobile particles show no coloration in the dispersion state when the particles are dispersed in the dispersion medium and show white coloration with a predetermined whiteness value or higher in the coagulation state when the particles are coagulated, an optical device, and a display method of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryojiro Akashi, Daisuke Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20140126036
    Abstract: A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Jeffrey N. Williams, Lansen M. Perron
  • Patent number: 8705161
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reflective element for a vehicle rearview mirror assembly includes providing front and rear glass substrates and establishing an uncured trace material at least at the rear glass substrate and establishing an uncured seal material along a perimeter region of at least one of the second surface of the front glass substrate and the third surface of the rear glass substrate. The front and rear glass substrates are joined with the uncured seal material disposed therebetween. The uncured seal material and the uncured trace material are cured via a common curing process. The curing of the uncured trace material forms an electrically conductive trace at the rear glass substrate and the curing of the uncured seal material forms a perimeter seal of the reflective element. The electrically conductive trace is in electrical continuity with the electrically conductive mirror reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, David C. Wight, Mark E. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8693079
    Abstract: This invention discloses conductive busbars and sealants for electrooptic devices including electrochromic mirrors and windows. The conductive busbars are formed from materials comprising nanoparticles, and the sealants comprise of additives that promote a two phase morphology and use of adhesion promotion additives with crosslinkers. Methods to deposit busbars and then to connect these busbars to electrical connectors are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ajjer, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Juan Carlos L. Tonazzi
  • Patent number: 8687262
    Abstract: An ion conductor includes a mixture including an electrolyte including a salt including inorganic or organic pairs of negative and positive ions, and a low-molecular liquid crystal material. Further, an impedance of the ion conductor varies in accordance with an increase of a voltage applied to the ion conductor due to an orientation response of the low-molecular liquid crystal material, the impedance being determined by an AC impedance method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Yashiro, Shigenobu Hirano, Koh Fujimura, Yoshihisa Naijo, Yoshinori Okada, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Akishige Murakami
  • Publication number: 20140085700
    Abstract: Provided are an electrochromic mirror and a method of manufacturing the same, the electrochromic mirror including: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; and an electrochromic layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is a transparent film, whereby an entire thickness and weight of the electrochromic mirror can be reduced, and as a result, the degree of design freedom can be improved, and since the electrochromic layer containing the electrochromic material and the electrolyte is formed by a coating method, the efficiency of a manufacturing process can be improved, and a production cost can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Young PARK
  • Patent number: 8668384
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a temperature detector coupled to a conductive layer of an electrophoretic display device. The temperature detector is operable to measure a leakage current that is responsive to a temperature associated with the electrophoretic device and determine the temperature associated with the electrophoretic device based at least in part on the measured leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Howe, Gary A. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8665509
    Abstract: A method of bonding metal and glass using an optical contact bonding includes depositing an optical contact bonding medium on a surface of a metal substrate; and bonding the metal substrate on which the optical contact bonding medium is formed to a glass substrate using optical contact bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8665510
    Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes front and rear substrates with an electro-optic medium disposed therebetween. An electrical connector has an attachment portion and a wire receiving portion for receiving an electrical wire therein. A flange of the attachment portion is configured to be disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate and a tab is configured to extend at least partially across a perimeter edge of the rear substrate. An electrically conductive material is disposed in an uncured state and uncured electrically conductive material flows at least partially through the aperture and is cured to secure the electrical connector at the rear substrate. The wire receiving portion of the electrical connector is configured to receive the electrical wire therein and includes at least one tang that engages the electrical wire when the electrical wire is inserted into the wire receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi
  • Publication number: 20140055837
    Abstract: Provided is a room mirror module for a vehicle, including a control unit driving an electrochromic mirror and a display unit by discriminating the intensity of light and movement of the vehicle detected by a sensor unit, whereby the devices for the vehicle can be more efficiently controlled, and a driver's safe driving can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Kuk LEE
  • Publication number: 20140055836
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a front substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a rear substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the front substrate and the rear substrate define a cavity, a perimeter seal between the front substrate and the rear substrate, an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity between the front substrate and the second substrate and bounded by the perimeter seal, wherein the front substrate and the second substrate have a shaped edge having continuously arcuate shape, and wherein an interface the first substrate and the second substrate is approximately 1 mm or less from an outermost portion of the rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, Adam R. Heintzelman, Autumn W. Trombka, Gary J. Dozeman
  • Patent number: 8654433
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic reflective element having a specularly reflective perimeter layer established at least partially around a perimeter border region of a second surface of a front substrate. The perimeter layer is, at least in part, visible through the front substrate to a viewer when viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element. The perimeter layer conceals at least a portion of the seal from direct view by the driver of the vehicle. At least one of (a) at least one light source is disposed behind the perimeter layer and emits light that is visible to a viewer viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element at the perimeter layer, and (b) a light sensor is disposed behind the perimeter layer and senses light that passes through the front substrate at the perimeter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8654432
    Abstract: An electro-optic device including: an electro-optical panel having an electro-optic substance held between an element substrate and an opposed substrate; and a dust-proof substrate bonded to a surface of the opposed substrate opposite from a surface thereof opposing the element substrate; wherein one of the opposed substrate and the dust-proof substrate is formed of a first material having a coefficient of linear expansion of a positive pole, and the other one of the opposed substrate and the dust-proof substrate is formed of a second material having a coefficient of linear expansion of a negative pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8649083
    Abstract: A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A Luten, John S Anderson, George A Neuman, Jeffrey A Forgette, Jeffrey N Williams, Lansen M Perron
  • Patent number: 8649082
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes front and rear substrates with a perimeter seal that spaces said front substrate from said rear substrate and establishes an interpane cavity therebetween for an electrochromic medium. The front substrate has a front connecting portion that extends outboard from the perimeter seal and the rear substrate has a rear connecting portion that extends outboard from the perimeter seal. The front and rear connecting portions may be established partially along the same perimeter region of the reflective element or along adjacent perimeter regions of the reflective element. Electrical connection to the transparent electrically conductive coating at the second surface of the front substrate is established at the front connecting portion of the front substrate and electrical connection to the electrically conductive coating of the third surface of the rear substrate is established at the rear connecting portion of the rear substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Baur
  • Publication number: 20140036338
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and process that includes a substantially transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the substantially transparent substrate, wherein the edge being a laser induced channel edge having enhanced edge characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald L. Bareman, William L. Tonar, Niels A. Olesen, Thomas J. Scott, David J. Cammenga, Peter N. Rizk, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark R. Roth, Paul V. Flynn, JR., James R. Thommen, II, Happy T. Holden
  • Publication number: 20140036339
    Abstract: Anisotropic film laminates for use in image-preserving reflectors such as rearview automotive mirror assemblies, and related methods of fabrication. A film may comprise an anisotropic layer such as a light-polarizing layer and other functional layers. The film having controlled water content is heated under omnidirectional pressure and vacuum to a temperature substantially equal to or above a lower limit of a glass-transition temperature range of the film so as to be laminated to a substrate. The laminated film is configured as part of a mirror structure so as to increase contrast of light produced by a light source positioned behind the mirror structure and transmitted through the mirror structure towards a viewer. The mirror structure is devoid of any extended distortion and is characterized by SW and LW values less than 3, more preferably less than 2, and most preferably less than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson, Gary J. Dozeman, Tammy G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8643932
    Abstract: A reflection type display apparatus includes an image display having a plurality of pixels, with each of the pixels including a first electrode having a light transmitting property, a second electrode disposed in opposition to the first electrode, and a third electrode disposed in opposition to the first or second electrode. An electrolytic solution containing a metal ion is disposed in contact with the first, second and third electrodes, and a control unit sets a direction of a current flowing between the first, second and third electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hajime Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8638488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L Tonar, David J Cammenga, John S Anderson, David L Poll, George A Neuman, Joel A Stray, Bradley L Busscher, Kenton J Ypma
  • Publication number: 20140022620
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head portion and a reflective element accommodated by the mirror head portion. The reflective element includes a glass substrate and a mirror reflector coated at a surface of the glass substrate. The reflective element is configured to provide a field of view of at least about 15 degrees at the side of the vehicle and provides a substantially undistorted reflected image as viewed by the driver of the vehicle. The reflective element may have a width dimension of less than about 15 cm and a height dimension of less than about 9 cm. The mirror substrate is curved or formed via a hydro-bending process utilizing at least one bending element, which may be CNC formed in accordance with a free form pattern of curvatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Gregory A. Huizen
  • Publication number: 20140002882
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element, an auxiliary wide angle element and a back plate. The auxiliary wide angle element is disposed at the rear surface of a mirror substrate. A back plate mounting structure may establish a space at the mirror actuator that is sufficient for a portion of the auxiliary wide angle element to be disposed between a rear surface of the reflective element and the mirror actuator. The back plate may have at least one sealing element at least partially around a perimeter region of a wide angle element receiving portion of the back plate, and the sealing element may engage the rear surface of the mirror substrate when the back plate is attached to the reflective element and may limit intrusion of adhesive between the back plate and the mirror substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Mitchell D. Burkhert, Tyson P. DeJonge, Hamid Habibi, Keith D. Foote, Donald S. Rawlings, Michael J. Baur
  • Patent number: 8614847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L Tonar, David J Cammenga, John S Anderson, David L Poll, George A Neuman, Joel A Stray, Bradley L Busscher, Kenton J Ypma
  • Patent number: 8614845
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L Tonar, David J Cammenga, John S Anderson, David L Poll, George A Neuman, Joel A Stray, Bradley L Busscher, Kenton J Ypma
  • Patent number: 8614846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L Tonar, David J Cammenga, John S Anderson, David L Poll, George A Neuman, Joel A Stray, Bradley L Busscher, Kenton J Ypma
  • Publication number: 20130314760
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic reflective element having a specularly reflective perimeter layer established at least partially around a perimeter border region of a second surface of a front substrate. The perimeter layer is, at least in part, visible through the front substrate to a viewer when viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element. The perimeter layer conceals at least a portion of the seal from direct view by the driver of the vehicle. At least one of (a) at least one light source is disposed behind the perimeter layer and emits light that is visible to a viewer viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the reflective element at the perimeter layer, and (b) a light sensor is disposed behind the perimeter layer and senses light that passes through the front substrate at the perimeter layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20130314761
    Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes front and rear substrates with an electro-optic medium disposed therebetween. An electrical connector has an attachment portion and a wire receiving portion for receiving an electrical wire therein. A flange of the attachment portion is configured to be disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate and a tab is configured to extend at least partially across a perimeter edge of the rear substrate. An electrically conductive material is disposed in an uncured state and uncured electrically conductive material flows at least partially through the aperture and is cured to secure the electrical connector at the rear substrate. The wire receiving portion of the electrical connector is configured to receive the electrical wire therein and includes at least one tang that engages the electrical wire when the electrical wire is inserted into the wire receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi
  • Publication number: 20130286460
    Abstract: A porous electrode sheet (1) includes a resin film (2) being transparent and having insulating properties, and a transparent electrode (3) placed on one face (2a) of the resin film (2). The resin film (2) is provided with a plurality of through holes (21) extending linearly from the one face (2a) to the other face (2b). The transparent electrode (3) has openings (31) at positions corresponding respectively to the through holes (21). The through holes (21) of the resin film (2) and the openings (31) of the transparent electrode (3) communicate with each other, and thereby form passages (10) penetrating the porous electrode sheet (1) in the thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Moriyama, Yozo Nagai, Satoru Furuyama, Hajime Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130286334
    Abstract: A display device (100A) includes a first substrate (11) and second substrate (41) that are placed so as to face each other; active color filter layers (32) which are placed between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (41), which have memory properties, and which become in a colored state or an uncolored state depending on the voltage applied thereto; and a light-modulating layer (17) for controlling the intensity or degree of scattering of light incident on the active color filter layers (32) or the intensity or degree of scattering of light passing through the active color filter layers (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Satoh, Akio Miyata, Kazuhiro Deguchi
  • Patent number: 8564871
    Abstract: An electrochromic apparatus comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode. An electrochromic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrochromic layer and one of the electrode layers. The electrochromic layer comprises the dehydration reaction product of a hydrolyzed aromatic component. An electrochromic composition comprises an aromatic component having an aromatic core and at least two silicon-based groups pending from the aromatic core. The silicon-based groups have a silicon-bonded group selected from the group of hydrolyzable groups, hydrolyzates of hydrolyzable groups, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: David Witker, Toshio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8559092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
  • Patent number: 8559093
    Abstract: An electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes first and second substrates having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween and bounded by a perimeter seal. A perimeter coating is disposed at a second surface of the first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of the first substrate. The perimeter coating generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing a first surface of the first substrate and through the first substrate. An at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of a third surface of the second substrate. The perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing a fourth surface of the second substrate and through the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8558141
    Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly includes a heater pad disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes a first connector that electrically connects with the transparent electrically conductive coating disposed at the second surface of the front substrate, and a second connector that electrically connects with the metallic electrically conductive coating disposed at the third surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes third and fourth connectors that provide, at least in part, electrical conductive connection with a heating element. The connectors are part of a unitary multi-pin connector that is configured to connect with a corresponding wire harness connector to provide electrical power to the heating element and to the transparent electrically conductive coating and the metallic electrically conductive coating of the reflective element when the exterior minor assembly is mounted at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Byers, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Ian A. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20130258439
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrochromic display device, including a step of applying and attaching a fine particle with a predetermined particle diameter to a display substrate, a step of film-forming a transparent electrically conductive film after the fine particle is applied thereto, a step of removing the fine particle to remove a transparent electrically conductive film attached to a surface of the fine particle and to form a display electrode having a fine through-hole at a position at which the fine particle has been attached thereto, and a step of forming an electrochromic layer on the display electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Naijo, Tohru Yashiro, Shigenobu Hirano, Yoshinori Okada, Sukchan Kim, Koh Fujimura, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Kazuaki Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20130242369
    Abstract: There is provided an electrochromic display that includes a display substrate, which includes a display electrode on a first substrate and an insulating film on or above the display electrode; a counter substrate having a counter electrode on a second substrate, the counter substrate facing the display substrate; and a color-developing layer containing an electrochromic material disposed in a region surrounded by a sealing member between the display substrate and the counter substrate. The insulating film is disposed on or above the display electrode except for a display region of the display electrode in the region surrounded by the sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroto FUKUSHIMA, Yoshihisa IWAMOTO, Yasuo TOKO
  • Patent number: 8526095
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic display device comprising: a first and a second substrates; a first and a second electrodes; and an electrochromic composition layer, wherein the device is of a passive matrix drive where the a display and an erasion are performed by an energization in reverse directions between the electrodes, the first and the second electrodes respectively comprise a plurality of electrodes, a pixel is formed where the electrodes are in a grade separated crossing, and the display is performed by voltage application processing where: (i) the first electrode is set as negative, and the second electrode is set as positive, to apply a voltage of a first potential difference, immediately followed by (ii) the first electrode being set as positive, and the second electrode being set as negative, to apply a voltage of a second potential difference equal to or more than the first potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc., Tokai University Educational System, Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimi Fukuoka, Wu Weng, Tetsuya Higuchi, Masao Suzuki, Rikuo Takano, Makoto Omodani
  • Publication number: 20130208022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dual mode function pixel that operates either in a first mode or in a second mode according to the intensity of a projected light to have a high visibility regardless of the intensity of projected light. The dual mode function pixel includes: a first membrane on which a self-luminescent element is formed; one or more membranes formed to surround the first membrane; and a lower layer formed below the first membrane and the one or more membranes to be spaced apart from the first membrane and the one or more membranes. The dual mode function pixel is controlled such that the self-luminescent element is driven either to emit light in a first mode operation or to selectively reflect a projected light by utilizing an interference of light generated between the first to one or more membranes and the lower layer in a second mode operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
  • Patent number: 8508832
    Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element a rear element, and an electro-optic medium, the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state. The electro-optic system further includes a display device in optical communication with the electro-optic element, the display device including at least one light source and is configured to emit at least a first primary and a second primary, the first and second primaries each having a first hue (hab) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the high transmittance state and a second hue (hab?) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the low transmittance state, wherein a change in the first and second hues (?hab) for both first and second primaries is less than approximately 31 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 8508384
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element having a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate, with no portion of the rear glass substrate extending beyond any portion of the front glass substrate. The reflective element includes a perimeter band disposed around a perimeter border region of a second surface of the front glass substrate. The perimeter band generally conceals the presence of a perimeter seal from view by the driver of the vehicle. A plastic molding may be circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the front glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the front glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding may lack a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the front glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8508831
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element and a mounting assembly for adjustably mounting the mirror assembly at a portion of the equipped vehicle. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a perimeter edge about its periphery and extending between the front and rear surfaces. The front surface generally faces a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle. The rear surface of the reflective element may be attached to an attachment surface of an attachment plate or of the mirror casing to secure the reflective element relative to the mirror casing. The perimeter edge of the reflective element may be exposed and viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the reflective element is attached to the attachment surface and when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Michael J. Baur, Timothy G. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8508829
    Abstract: A vehicle indication system is proposed having an optical system (1), having a first indication device (2) and having a second indication device (3), wherein the optical system is intended to indicate information, which is provided by the first indication device, in an at least partially transparent or translucent form, wherein the optical system is intended to indicate information, which is provided by the second indication device, in an at least partially reflective form, wherein the optical system has a first area (6), the light transmission coefficient and light reflection coefficient of which are variable, and wherein the optical system has a second area (4), the light reflection coefficient of which is provided in a reduced form by means of a non-reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Kay Lackmann, Frank Schliep