Abstract:
An electronic compass is described for use in vehicles. The compass employs a magnetoresistive sensor (10) for sensing the earth magnetic field and the sensor (10) is operated in alternate set/reset bias modes (16). The compass is provided with deviation compensation by a closed loop system including measurement of the sensor (10) output signals and an offset current strap (18) for nullifying the vehicle deviation field.
Abstract:
A photochromic device (1A) is provided which allows the user to leave the device in a high transmissive state even when exposed to a source of radiation and to control the degree of darkening achieved while exposed to the source of radiation.
Abstract:
A system apparatus, means and method for controlling variable reflectance mirrors in response to drive voltages applied thereto, and for monitoring a vehicle interior. The system includes a light sensing device and a control circuit (26). The light sensing device comprises a photosensor array (32) having a field of view encompassing a vehicle interior. The logic and control circuit (34) determines a background light signal indicative of light levels incident on the photosensor elements and determines a peak light signal in three different zones or sub-arrays of the photosensor array. The peak light signals and a common background light signal are used to determine control signals for independently controlling the reflectance level of a plurality of mirrors (4, 5), or alternativeley the segments of a mirror. The logic and control circuit (34) also determines a vehicle intrusion condition and stores image data in memory in the compartment image data storage mode of the vehicle interior monitoring system.
Abstract:
A mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a positioning device (22) for selectively positioning the reflective element, and a light (28) for emitting light generally downwardly from the mirror housing on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle. A control (27) is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector (38) being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device (22) to position the reflective element to a downwardly tilted position, wherein the driver can view an area adjacent a side of the vehicle. The control (27) actuates the light (28) when the reflective element is in the downwardly tilted position in order to illuminate objects in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the control (27) actuates the light through a lockout circuit (45) which normally allows the light to be activated only when the vehicle is not operating. The control (27) includes an override for the lockout circuit which allows the light to be activated even when the vehicle is operating when, and only when, reverse gear is selected.
Abstract:
Electrochromic devices and processes for preparing the same are provided which do not require a separate process step of ion intercalation by employing an electrochromically-inert reducing or oxidizing additive in the electrochemically active material or the electrolyte of the electrochromic devices. An electrochromic device is also disclosed having a conducting electrode (20) opposing a counter conducting electrode (21) with an electrochemically active polymeric layer (30) disposed on an opposing surface of one of said electrodes and an electrolyte (40) containing at least one redox active material contactingly disposed between the electrochemically active layer and another opposing surface of one of said electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is transparent. Also disclosed is an electrochromic device that exhibits low light transmission or reflectivity with no applied potential or after removal of an applied potential.
Abstract:
A method of molding a plastic element having a microstructure embedded therein includes the steps of providing a master having a microstructure therein; casting a liquid surface coating over said master; solidifying the liquid surface coating to form a rigid molding tool containing said microstructure; placing the molding tool into a molding machine; introducing a plastic element into the molding machine; transferring the microstructure from the molding tool to the plastic element; and removing the molded plastic element from the molding machine. The molding tool may also be produced by machining directly into a molding base element a predetermined microstructure without machining through a transfer interlayer. An injection-molded binary optical element produced according to the method of the present invention provides an injection molded optical element which diffracts light.
Abstract:
A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.
Abstract:
An electrochromic device is disclosed having a selective ion transport layer (50) which separates an electrochemically active material (30) from an electrolyte (40) containing a redox active material. The devices are particularly useful as large area architectural and automotive glazings due to their reduced back reaction.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to electrochromic mirrors (1) and devices whose electrochromic element is composed of an electrochromic solid film (7) and an electrolyte (6) comprising redox reaction promoters and alkali ions and/or protons.
Abstract:
An electronic compass is described for use in vehicles (26). The compass employs a magnetoresistive sensor (10, 10') for sensing the earth magnetic field and the sensor is operated in alternate set/reset bias modes. The compass is provided with deviation compensation by a closed loop system including measurement of the sensor output signals and an offset current strap for nullifying the vehicle deviation field.