Automatic glare reduction side-mirror for trucks, truck cabs and sports utility vehicles

Abstract

A side rear-view mirror for land vehicles comprises a liquid crystal cell formed by applying a liquid crystal coating over a pair of transparent conducting electrodes positioned in front of a reflecting mirror. Heating means cooperate with a temperature sensor to maintain the temperature of the liquid crystal cell substantially constant within operating limits of liquid crystals therewithin. Dimming means electrically connected to said liquid crystal cell apply dimming voltage to the liquid crystals. Insulating means encapsulate the liquid crystal cell within an envelope, thereby insulating the liquid crystals from high velocity air flow surrounding said mirror. Sensor means responsive to vehicle headlight beams impinging on said reflective element cooperate with the dimming means to increase the dimming voltage in direct proportion to impinging light intensity. The side rear-view mirror affords a greater than 90 percentile reflection, and automatic glare reduction for trucks, truck cabs and sport utility vehicles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.