Reflection-type (e.g., Display Device) Patents (Class 359/267)
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Publication number: 20100188726Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state type reflection light controllable electrochromic device having a buffer layer, and the constitution thereof comprises an all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device in which a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, catalyst layer, and a reflective light controllable layer of a magnesium alloy thin film, in particular a multilayer thin film that uses a magnesium-nickel alloy, magnesium-titanium alloy or magnesium-niobium alloy, are formed on a transparent base that uses a glass or resin sheet, and a method for manufacturing the device, and an optical switchable component that incorporates the reflective light controllable electrochromic device, and according to the present invention, a reflective light controllable electrochromic device having a novel multilayer structure can be provided that enables high transmittance when it is transparent and enables switching in a short time over a wType: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TEHCNOLOGYInventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Yasusel Yamada, Kazuki Tajima
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Publication number: 20100182673Abstract: Provided are display devices using electrochromism and PDLC and methods of driving the display devices. A display device may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes; a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer between the first electrodes and the second electrodes; a plurality of third electrodes and a plurality of fourth electrodes; a plurality of electrochromic layers between the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes; and an electrolyte layer between the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Jae-eun Jang, Seung-nam Cha, Jae-eun Jung, Yong-wan Jin
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Patent number: 7761053Abstract: The emittance value is a measure of an amount of energy expelled from a given surface area relative to a black-body reference. Depending on the specific coating a change in the emittance value is actively or passively effected. There are known active variable emittance thermal control coatings. However, such coatings are actually panels housing a mixture of both high and low emissivity materials that are electrically manipulated to control the emittance value of the panel. These “coatings” are classified as either electrochromic or electrophorectic. Both electrochromic and electrophorectic coatings require an applied voltage to cause a change in the emittance value of the coating. By contrast, aspects of the present invention do not include active variable emittance thermal control coatings. Aspects of the present invention do include passive variable emittance thermal control coatings and materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: MPB Communications Inc.Inventors: Roman V. Kruzelecky, Emile Haddad, Brian Wong, Wes R. Jamroz
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Patent number: 7751110Abstract: There is provided a versatile display device comprising: a first electrode layer formed on a transparent substrate; an electrochromic layer formed on the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer consisting of a plurality of first conductive line groups arranged in the first direction on the electrochromic layer; a light-emitting device layer formed on the second electrode layer and emitting light; and a third electrode layer formed on the light-emitting device layer and consisting of a plurality of second conductive line groups arranged in the second direction that is different from the first conductive line group.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ja Soon Jang, Hyun Hwi Lee, Sung Jin Son
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Publication number: 20100165437Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7746534Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, George A. Neuman, Gary J. Dozeman, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, G. Bruce Poe, Nelson F. Brummel, Lansen M. Perron
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Patent number: 7746535Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a rear housing section with wiring connected to a first electrical connection device and a circuit board with a second electrical connection device, with first electrical connection device and the second electrical connection device being configured to automatically mate when the circuit board and the rear housing section are moved relatively towards each other. The rearview mirror assembly can also include a circuit board with a third electrical connection device and a reflective element with a fourth electrical connection device, with third electrical connection device and the fourth electrical connection device being configured to automatically mate when the circuit board and the reflective element are moved relatively towards each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Julie A. Kelley, Andrew J. LeVesque, Kenton J. Ypma, Kristi L. Hooper, William R. Spence, John B. Ostreko, Peter Wm. VanderWel
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Patent number: 7736813Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochromic cell with emission controlled by electrodeposition under the action of a control voltage. The cell comprises the following flexible elements, superimposed and respectively in intimate contact: a first electrode (11) intended to be connected to a first potential of the control voltage, a first porous layer (12), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP, PEO and an activated carbon powder, a porous separator (13), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP and PEO, a second electrode (14) formed of a grid and connected to a second potential of the control voltage, a second porous layer (15), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP, PEO and carbon powder, an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a copper salt being contained in the first flexible layer (12), in the separator (13) and in the second flexible layer (15).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company – EADS FranceInventors: Bruno Esmiller, Lionel Beluze, Jean-Claude Badot, Bruno Viana, Jean-Marie Tarascon
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Patent number: 7733555Abstract: This invention recognizes the hazards of beryllium and beryllium oxide in automotive applications and offers alternative material solutions. In particular, commercial electrochromic mirrors use beryllium comprising alloys for busbars and may also use beryllium oxide for the electronics used to power and control these mirrors. Further, this can be combined by reducing other known hazards such as mercury, cadmium, lead and antimony compounds.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Electro ChromiX, Inc.Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, John P. Cronin, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi
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Publication number: 20100134863Abstract: Electronic devices with displays having switchable mirrors are described. The switchable mirror covers the display and is capable of switching from a transparent state to a reflecting state responsive to a switch in the electronic device. In one embodiment, the display is switched off when the switchable mirror switches to its reflecting state. In another embodiment, the switchable mirror is switched to its reflecting state when the electronic device is switched off.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: Pantech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nicole Jurie KIM
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Patent number: 7722986Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochromic cell in thin films and aqueous electrolyte, with an emissivity that varies as a function of an applied control voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: European Aeronautic Defence and Space CompanyInventors: Valerie Lucas, Lionel Beluze, Mathieu Morcrette, Jean-Marie Tarascon
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Patent number: 7724416Abstract: An electrically programmable reticle is made using at least one electrochromatic layer that changes its optical transmissibility in response to applied voltages. Transparent conductor layers are configured to the desired patterns. The electrically programmable reticles are either patterned in continuous forms that have separately applied voltages or in a matrix of rows and columns that are addressed by row and column selects such that desired patterns are formed with the application of a first voltage level and reset with the application of a second voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Keith Randolph Miller
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Patent number: 7724415Abstract: A display drive device comprises a display element being colored by injecting an electric charge into an electrolyte via an display electrode due to an oxidation-deoxidization reaction and being decolored by injecting an electric charge having an inverse polarity of the electric charge into the electrolyte, at least one constant current supply circuit which supplies a constant current as a decoloration current pulse having a predetermined pulse width to the display electrode upon the decoloration, a voltage detection circuit which detects a voltage value generated in the display electrode, and a control circuit which controls an operation of the constant current supply circuit intermittently and repeatedly supplying the decoloration current pulse from the constant current supply circuit to the display electrode upon the decoloration, and ending the decoloration on the basis of a voltage value to be detected by the voltage detection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoharu Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7719749Abstract: A periscope that is switchable between the normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Oasis Advanced Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Minor, Henry Clarence Davies, Edward Charles Schwartz, Michael James Klingensmith
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Patent number: 7719750Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
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Publication number: 20100118379Abstract: A 3D image display device with a 2D or 3D image mode switching barrier is provided. The image display device includes an image panel, color change regions spaced apart from each other in a repetitive pattern and selectively change into light transmission regions or light blockage regions, and a barrier having the color change regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eun Jung Lim
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Publication number: 20100118378Abstract: The authenticity of a security document, such as a bank note, is verified by use of a security feature arranged in or on the document, which security feature comprises an antenna arranged to receive EM-radiation from an external energy source; a rectifier arranged to receive electric energy from the antenna and convert it into a rectified current; and an electrochromic display arranged to alter its electrochromic state in response to said rectified current. Hence, a security feature able alter its appearance in response to EM-radiation is provided, which comprises a display that can be given a large variety of two dimensional shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Mats Robertsson, Petronella Norberg, Xin Wang, Staffan Nordlinder, Anna Malmström, Lars-Olov Hennerdal, James Peter Snelling, Philip George Cooper
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Patent number: 7713436Abstract: Doped electrically actuatable (electrically addressable or switchable) polymer flakes have enhanced and controllable electric field induced motion by virtue of doping a polymer material that functions as the base flake matrix with either a distribution of insoluble dopant particles or a dopant material that is completely soluble in the base flake matrix. The base flake matrix may be a polymer liquid crystal material, and the dopants generally have higher dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity than the electrically actuatable polymer base flake matrix. The dopant distribution within the base flake matrix may be either homogeneous or non-homogeneous. In the latter case, the non-homogeneous distribution of dopant provides a dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity gradient within the body of the flakes.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: The University of RochesterInventors: Anka Trajkovska-Petkoska, Stephen D. Jacobs, Kenneth L. Marshall, Tanya Z. Kosc
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Patent number: 7710631Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element assembly having a front substrate and a rear substrate with an electro-optic medium sandwiched therebetween. A substantially non-transparent perimeter band is disposed at the second surface of the front substrate and around a perimeter border region of the second surface of the front substrate. The perimeter band is not specularly reflective to visible light that passes through the first substrate and is incident on the perimeter band. A first electrical connection is at the first electrically conductive layer at a first overhang region and a second electrical connection is at the second electrically conductive layer. The perimeter band is dimensioned so as to render the presence of the perimeter seal and at least the first electrical connection substantially unobservable to a driver normally viewing the reflective element assembly when the vehicle is normally equipped with the interior rearview mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Ian A. McCabe, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7710371Abstract: Cells can include variable volumes defined between a flexible structure, such as a polymer layer, and a support surface, with the flexible structure and support surface being attached in a first region that surrounds a second region in which they are unattached. Various adhesion structures can attach the flexible structure and the support surface. When unstretched, the flexible structure can lie in a flat position on the support surface. In response to a stretching force away from the support surface, the flexible structure can move out of the flat position, providing the variable volume. Electrodes, such as on the flexible structure, on the support surface, and over the flexible structure, can have charge levels that couple with each other and with the variable volume. A support structure can include a device layer with signal circuitry that provides a signal path between an electrode and external circuitry. One or more ducts can provide fluid communication with each cell's variable volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Ping Mei, Jurgen Daniel, James B. Boyce, Kathleen Dore Boyce, legal representative, Jackson Ho, Rachel Lau, Yu Wang
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Patent number: 7706046Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Robert R. Turnbull, Thomas F. Guarr, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Eaton, Joel A. Stray, Barry K. Nelson
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Patent number: 7702434Abstract: A motor vehicle and an indicating apparatus for a motor vehicle, includes a display for optical depiction of information concerning the motor vehicle by the emission of light, and having a decorative layer positioned on the display.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Cedric Dupont, Arne Stoschek, Sven Strohband
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Patent number: 7697190Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic device, which includes a first electrode formed on a first region of a first substrate, a second electrode formed on a second region of the first substrate, an electrochromic layer formed on the first electrode, an electrolyte layer formed on both of the electrochromic layer and the second electrode, and a second substrate formed on the electrolyte layer; and a display device including the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Kee Yong Park, Hyun Woo Shin
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Patent number: 7692843Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes an electrically conductive reflective film capable of reflecting light that is incident thereto and having electrical conductivity in which plural fine penetration holes are formed, an electrochromic film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film at which the light is incident and reflected, an electrically conductive film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film that is opposite from the electrochromic film, and an electrolytic solution that contains lithium ions and is enclosed between the electrically conductive film and the electrically conductive reflective film. The plural penetration holes formed in the electrically conductive reflective film penetrate in a thickness direction thereof, and a ratio between a distance between respective centers of the penetration holes and an inner peripheral diameter dimension of the penetration holes is 7 or more.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho, National University Corporation Nagoya UniversityInventors: Junichi Nakaho, Masaharu Hattori, Atsushi Yamaguchi, Nagahiro Saito, Takahiro Ishizaki, Osamu Takai
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Patent number: 7688495Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, George A. Neuman, Gary J. Dozeman, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, G. Bruce Poe, Nelson F. Brummel, Lansen M. Perron
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Publication number: 20100066519Abstract: A rearview mirror system includes an electro-optic reflective element having a specularly reflecting indicia reflector established at a second surface of a front substrate. The indicia provides a visible contrast between light incident at the mirror reflector and light incident at the indicia reflector so that when the mirror reflective element is in its high reflectance state, indicia information is subtly viewable by a person viewing the reflective element. The indicia may convey information that informs that the rearview mirror assembly is an automatic dimming type, informs of a brand logo and/or informs of a personalization logo. The mirror assembly may include a video display screen and contrast enhancement means for enhancing the viewability of the video display screen when the rearview mirror assembly is operated in high ambient lighting conditions. A control may determine a driver performance in response to a sensing device and a vehicle monitoring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7679809Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Fredrick T. Bauer, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7679808Abstract: Portable electronic devices with displays having switchable mirrors are described. The switchable mirror covers the display and is capable of switching from a transparent state to a reflecting state responsive to a switch in the portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display is switched off when the switchable mirror switches to its reflecting state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the switchable mirror is switched to its reflecting state when the portable electronic device is switched off.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.Inventor: Nicole Jurie Kim
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Patent number: 7675668Abstract: A 3D image display device with a 2D or 3D image mode switching barrier is provided. The image display device includes an image panel, color change regions spaced apart from each other in a repetitive pattern and selectively change into light transmission regions or light blockage regions, and a barrier having the color change regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eun Jung Lim
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Publication number: 20100053723Abstract: An exterior reflective mirror element suitable for a vehicle includes a transparent glass substrate having a reflector and a visual indicator display disposed to the rear of the substrate. The visual indicator display may be part of a blind spot detection and display system of the vehicle wherein the visual indicator display is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection by a blind spot detection detector of the equipped vehicle of an overtaking vehicle in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle. The visual indicator display includes at least a first indicator at a first location to the rear of the exterior reflective mirror element. A first portion of the reflector may be at least partially removed at the first location in order to establish an at least partially transmissive first portion of the exterior reflective mirror element at the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig Allen Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20100046059Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element having a transparent substrate and a multi-zone mirror reflector established at a surface thereof. The mirror reflector includes at least a first zone and a second zone, and wherein at least one metallic reflective layer is commonly established at the surface and across the first and second zones of the mirror reflector. A display device is disposed behind the second zone of the mirror reflector and, when the display device is operating to emit display information, emitted display information passes through the second zone of the mirror reflector for viewing by a driver operating the equipped vehicle. The second zone has a degree of transmissivity of light therethrough that is greater than a degree of transmissivity of light through the first zone of the mirror reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20100039691Abstract: A vehicular mirror assembly (100) includes a first bezel (107) for housing an electrochromic (EC) glass element and a second bezel (109) for housing a spotter glass (111) element. A spotter glass heating element (113) is positioned behind the spotter glass element (111) for heating the spotter glass (111) above an ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Timothy J. Thomas, David J. Cammenga, Mark A. Snyder
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Patent number: 7663798Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror and/or a light sensor positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively receiving light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam, David J. Cammenga
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Publication number: 20100033797Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element substrate and a conductive trace or layer disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element substrate. A non-conductive layer is applied at the conductive layer and covers at least a portion of the conductive layer and leaves at least some portions of the conductive layer exposed. At least one circuitry component is applied to at least one of the portions of the conductive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, David C. Wight, Mark E. Kramer
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Patent number: 7649668Abstract: A transparent glazing, and a control method thereof, with a field of view that can be darkened over a portion of its surface by electrically controlling at least one functional element incorporated into a multilayer composite, the light transmission of which glazing can be varied reversibly. The functional element, for example a solid-state electrochromic multilayer system, includes at least one electrochromic functional layer enclosed between two surface electrodes. The surface electrodes and their leads are matched to one another and spaced spatially with respect to one another such that darkening starts at one edge of the functional element and, with a remaining voltage applied between the surface electrodes, propagates continuously over the surface of the functional element until it is completely and uniformly colored. The glazing can be used as an electrically controllable sunshield for windshields of vehicles or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Xavier Fanton, Laurent Claude, Samuel Dubrenat, Juergen Schuett
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Patent number: 7643200Abstract: An exterior reflective mirror element suitable for a vehicle includes a transparent glass substrate having a reflector and a visual indicator display disposed to the rear of the substrate. The visual indicator display may be part of a blind spot detection and display system of the vehicle wherein the visual indicator display is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection by a blind spot detection detector of the equipped vehicle of an overtaking vehicle in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle. The visual indicator display includes at least a first indicator at a first location to the rear of the exterior reflective mirror element. A first portion of the reflector may be at least partially removed at the first location in order to establish an at least partially transmissive first portion of the exterior reflective mirror element at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Donnelly Corp.Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7639415Abstract: Disclosed are an electrochromic device and a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device comprises a transparent electrode, on which an electrochromic layer is formed, a counter electrode on which a reflective layer is formed, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the transparent electrode and the counter electrode. Since the electrolyte layer is formed in only an active region of unit pixels, neither crosstalk nor image diffusion occurs and only the selected region of unit pixels is operated. Thus, the electrochromic device can realize passive matrix displays capable of representing a desired color. Furthermore, the electrochromic device can be utilized in a variety of applications including flexible displays and electrical papers.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Eun Jung, Jae Eun Jang, Chang Ho Noh
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Patent number: 7636188Abstract: A rearview mirror element assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a front generally planar substrate and a rear generally planar substrate. A reflecting mirror reflector is established at a third surface of the rear substrate and an auxiliary mirror element is positioned rearward of a perimeter region of the front substrate. The auxiliary mirror element provides a wide angle view of a blind spot to the side of a vehicle and a generally planar portion of the electrochromic reflective element provides a generally planar view rearward of the vehicle. A perimeter band or demarcating band may be established at least partially around a perimeter border region of the substrate and may traverse the substrate at the perimeter region of the front substrate behind which the auxiliary mirror element is positioned. The band may demarcate the perimeter region from the generally planar portion of the reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7633668Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel red electrochromic materials. Further, disclosed herein are electrochromic devices comprising the red electrochromic materials. The electrochromic devices can find various applications in various electrochromic systems, including electrochromic windows and smart windows, and can realize full-color images.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rupasree Das, Chang Ho Noh, So Yeon Park
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Publication number: 20090303566Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
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Patent number: 7630117Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte for electrochromic devices, which includes a eutectic mixture comprising: (a) a compound having an acidic functional group and basic functional group; and (b) an ionizable lithium salt. An electrochromic device using the same electrolyte is also disclosed. Because the electrochromic device uses the electrolyte comprising the eutectic mixture, which is cost-efficient and has excellent thermal and chemical stability, there are no problems related with evaporation and exhaustion as well as flammability of electrolyte. Additionally, it is possible to minimize side reactions with constitutional elements of an electrochromic device and electrolyte, thereby improving the safety. Further, it is also possible to improve the quality of an electrochromic device by virtue of a broad electrochemical window and high electroconductivity of the eutectic mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jae Seung Oh, Byoung Bae Lee, Jae Duk Park, Su Jin Mun
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Patent number: 7612929Abstract: A mirror includes an electro-optic mirror subassembly, and a thin-profiled bezel attached around a perimeter of the electrochromic mirror subassembly. The electro-optic mirror subassembly is supported on a carrier by an adheringly bonded heater and foam tape in a laminar arrangement. The bezel may be bonded to an edge of the front surface of the front element of the electro-optic mirror subassembly, and/or may be bonded and/or interlockingly mechanically attached to an edge of the carrier. Alternatively, the bezel can be a strip of paint or thin coating material. The bezel can be molded in place, or can be pre-molded and elastically stretched to permit assembly. In one form, the bezel includes a laterally-extending fin that prevents seeing past the bezel into the inside of a mirror housing. In at least one embodiment, the assembly has no bezel or only a bezel on one edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, John W. Arnold, David J. Cammenga, John W. Carter, Bradley L. Busscher, Jeremy A. Fogg
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Patent number: 7602543Abstract: A display element capable of being driven with a low voltage through a simple member arrangement in which the time for switching the screen is shortened. The display element has an electrolytic layer, containing silver or a compound containing silver in the chemical structure, between opposed electrodes, and performs driving operation of the opposed electrodes such that dissolution-deposition of silver takes place. The display element is characterized in that the electrolytic layer substantially contains no iodine ion and at least two pixels having different degree of blackening are subjected to whitening reset driving simultaneously in the driving operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Noriyuki Kokeguchi
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Patent number: 7599108Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Patrick J. Lawlor, Niall R. Lynam, John P. Desmond, Patrick J. Dowling
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Publication number: 20090231661Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a backplane; a layer of electro-optic material disposed adjacent the backplane; a protective layer; and a sealing layer of a metal or a ceramic extending between the backplane and the protective layer, and thus sealing the layer of electro-optic material from the outside environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: E Ink CorporationInventors: Shamus Ford Patry, Richard J. Paolini, JR., Thomas H. Whitesides, Robert W. Zehner, Johnathan D. Albert, Harit Doshi
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Publication number: 20090231662Abstract: A method and device for providing a dual-sided display device having increased viewability are provided. A display device includes a dual-sided display assembly and a power supply. The dual-sided display assembly includes a first viewable side and a second viewable side. A first electrochromic layer is formed over the first viewable side and a second electrochromic layer is formed over the second viewable side. Each of the first electrochromic layer and the second electrochromic layer are switchable between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state upon application of a switching voltage from the power supply, the state being selected based on an operational configuration of the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ABInventors: Stefan SORENSSON, Ola THORN
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Patent number: 7589883Abstract: An exterior mirror suitable for use in a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element having a light transmitting substrate with a mirror reflector having a metallic reflective layer coated thereon. A visual indicator display is disposed to the rear of the light transmitting substrate and actuated to emit light when powered. Light emitted by light sources of the display passes through the light transmitting substrate so as to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle equipped with the reflective mirror element. The mirror element has portions of the metallic reflective layer at least partially removed by laser scribing to establish at least partially light transmissive portions of the mirror reflector so that light emitted by light sources, when powered, passes through the respective at least partially light transmissive portions to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7573632Abstract: An electrochromic mirror 10 has a simple construction wherein only two layers of films, namely an electrochromic film 14 and an electrically conductive light reflecting film 16 are formed on a glass substrate 12, and a film thickness and film quality and the like of the electrochromic film 14 and the electrically conductive light reflecting film 16 hardly affects performance. Therefore, this leads to easy manufacturing at low cost. Further, since the electrochromic mirror has such a construction that light introduced from a surface side of the glass substrate 12 is reflected by the electrically conductive light reflecting film 16 formed on a back of this glass substrate 12, occurrence of a double image is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Junichi Nakaho, Masao Ayabe, Masaharu Hattori
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Patent number: 7570413Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
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Patent number: 7570404Abstract: An image presentation device (100) incorporates an optical combiner (130) that utilizes a multi-state optical switch (131, 137) for use with a plurality of colored light sources (122, 124,126). The switch (131,137) includes an electronically switchable holographic optical element HOE (131) having a first and a second mode of operation. Light from first and second light sources (124, 126) passes through HOE (131) in a diffracted manner in at least one of the first and second modes of operation. Light from a third light source (122) is reflected by a reflector (137) in a third mode of operation. The combiner (130) operates to combine light from the various light sources (122, 124, 126) into a common light path.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventors: Lin Li, Israel J. Morejon, Evan O'Sullivan