Patent Publication Number: US-2006018047-A1

Title: Electromagnetic radiation assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly which finds usefulness when installed on overland vehicles, and more particularly to an electromagnetic radiation assembly which when coupled with the controls of an overland vehicle may operate as a combined warning lamp and rear view mirror assembly, and which further provides a visibly discernible signal which can be viewed from a wide range of locations not possible heretofore.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The beneficial effects of employing auxiliary signaling or electromagnetic radiation assemblies have been disclosed in various U.S. patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,014,167; 5,207,492; 5,355,284; 5,361,190; 5,481,409; 5,499,169; 5,528,422; 6,005,724; and 6,257,746 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. The assemblies disclosed in some of these patents teach the use of various dichroic mirrors which are operable to reflect a broad band of electromagnetic radiation, within the visible light portion of the spectrum, while simultaneously permitting electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths which reside within a predetermined spectral band to pass therethrough. As disclosed in these earlier prior art patents, these same dichroic mirrors remain an excellent visual image reflector, that is, achieving luminous reflectance which is acceptable for automotive, and other industrial applications, while simultaneously achieving an average transmittance in the predetermined spectral band which is suitable for use as a visual signal at a wide range of distances, and for various purposes.  
      While all of these prior art devices have worked with some degree of success, various shortcomings have been uncovered which have detracted from their wide spread use. Among the several shortcomings which have impeded commercial introduction has been the manufacturing costs associated with applying the rather complex optical coatings which are necessary to form the dichroic mirrors that are employed in these devices.  
      Still further, other devices have been introduced which diverge, to some degree, from the use of dichroic mirrors. These devices however, when built in accordance with their teachings, have been unable to provide the same performance characteristics as provided by the prior art which employs dichroic mirrors. Still further, other prior art references have described devices which attempt to provide the same functional benefits as described in these earlier patents. These references describe all manner of mirror housing modifications, where for example, lamps are located in various orientations to project light into predetermined areas both internally and/or beside the overland vehicle and to further provide auxiliary signaling or warning capability. Examples of these patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,155; 4,646,210; 4,916,430; 5,059,015; 5,303,130; 5,371,659; 5,402,103; 5,497,306; and 5,436,741 to name but a few.  
      In addition to the shortcomings associated with fabricating a suitable dichroic coating for use in mirror assemblies as described in the prior art, the associated mirror housings have decreased in volume as a result of recent automotive platform design changes. Consequently, the amount of internal space which is available when these same housings are employed is quite limited. Therefore, the size and weight of an enclosed light, signaling or electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly employed in such devices has become a significant factor in the development and commercial introduction of a suitable product. Yet further, in view of these space limitations providing electrical power to the mirror housing for energizing motorized bezels; heaters and various lamps has become increasingly difficult because the prior art wire harnesses take up additional space in these mirror housings. One possible solution to this difficulty is found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/355,915 and which was filed on Jan. 28, 2003. The teachings of this pending application is also incorporated by reference herein.  
      To address these and other perceived shortcomings in the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724 disclosed a novel mirror assembly which employed a mirror substrate which is fabricated by using conventional techniques, and which includes a primary mirror surface region which reflects less than about 80% of a given band of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation; and a secondary region adjacent thereto and through which electromagnetic radiation may pass. In mirrors of this design, the average reflection of the mirror coating is greater than about 50%. This novel invention resulted in significant decreases in the manufacturing costs for devices of this type. Still further, the perceived safety advantages of using such auxiliary signaling devices has now been well established, inasmuch as these same signaling assemblies provide a convenient means whereby an operator may signal vehicles which are adjacent to, and rearwardly oriented relative to an overland vehicle equipped with same, of their intention, for example, to change lanes, turn, or perform other vehicle maneuvers which would be of interest to vehicles traveling adjacent thereto.  
      An electromagnetic radiation assembly which achieves these and other advantages is the subject matter of the present application.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Therefore one aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a circuit substrate having a first portion, and a flexible second portion, and wherein the circuit substrate defines at least one electrical pathway; a first electromagnetic radiation emitter electrically coupled to the electrical pathway and located on the first portion of the circuit substrate; and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter electrically coupled to the electrical pathway and located on the second portion of the circuit substrate.  
      Another aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a housing defined by a sidewall; a semitransparent mirror borne by the housing, and having a first region which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and a second region which is adjacent thereto; an electrical pathway borne by the semitransparent mirror; a first electromagnetic radiation emitter electrically coupled to the electrical pathway, and positioned adjacent to the first region, and which, when energized, emits electromagnetic radiation which is passed, at least in part, by the first region, and in a first direction; and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter electrically coupled to the electrical pathway, and which, when energized, emits electromagnetic radiation which passes through the sidewall of the housing and in a second direction.  
      Yet still further, another aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a housing having a sidewall, and which defines a cavity, and wherein the sidewall further defines an aperture; a translucent lens positioned in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture; a semitransparent mirror borne by the housing, and which has an outwardly facing surface, and an inwardly facing surface which defines, at least in part, the cavity of the housing, and wherein the semitransparent mirror has a first region which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and a second region, which is adjacent thereto; an electrically insulative circuit substrate having a first portion which is juxtaposed relative to the inside facing surface of the semitransparent mirror, and a second portion which is positioned, at least in part, near the translucent lens; a first electrical pathway borne by the circuit substrate, and which is selectively electrically coupled to a source of electrical power; a first electromagnetic radiation emitter borne by the first portion of the circuit substrate, and which is electrically coupled with the first electrical pathway, and wherein the first electromagnetic radiation emitter, when energized, emits visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which passes through the first region of the semitransparent mirror; a second electromagnetic radiation emitter borne by the second portion of the circuit substrate, and which is electrically coupled to first electrical pathway, and wherein the second electromagnetic radiation emitter, when energized, emits visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation which is passed by the translucent lens; and a reflector disposed in eccentric covering reflecting relation relative to the first electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which reflects the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first electromagnetic radiation emitter through the first region of the semitransparent mirror.  
      These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, substantially horizontal sectional view of one form of the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, plan view of a circuit substrate which is utilized in the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a greatly exaggerated, partial, vertical sectional view of the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention, and which is taken from a position along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is a greatly enlarged, partial, vertical sectional view of a second form of the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention, and which is taken from a position along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 , and which illustrates an alternative form of the invention from that shown in  FIG. 3 .  
       FIG. 5  is a greatly enlarged, partial, vertical sectional view of yet another form of the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention, and which is further different from that shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
       FIG. 6  shows a greatly enlarged, vertical sectional view of a prior art electrochromic mirror assembly and which may utilize the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).  
      Referring more particularly to the drawings, an electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative convenience, the electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  of the present invention, and which is shown and described herein, is discussed as it would be configured if it was installed on an overland vehicle (not shown) of conventional design. As discussed in many of the earlier prior art references, which are incorporated by reference herein, the electromagnetic radiation assembly (hereinafter referred to as assembly  10 ) of the present invention is adapted to operate as a combination rear-view mirror and visual signaling device, and wherein the visual signaling device provides a visual signal which is capable of being seen from locations which are laterally and rearwardly disposed relative to the overland vehicle when the invention is operating in a first mode which is generally indicated by the numeral  11 . During this first mode of operation, the visual signal, at a significantly reduced luminous intensity can normally be seen by the operator of the vehicle. Still further, the invention  10 , when operating in a second mode or operation, which is generally indicated by the numeral  12 , produces a visibly discernable signal which can be seen generally laterally and forwardly relative to the intended direction of movement of the overland vehicle. These first and second modes of operation  11  and  12  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.  
      Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the assembly  10  includes a mirror housing which is generally indicated by the numeral  20 . The mirror housing includes a first, convexly curved sidewall  21 , and a second sidewall  22 , which is made integral with same. The first and second sidewalls each include a peripheral edge  23  and  24 , respectively. The sidewalls define an internal cavity  25 , and a mirror opening which is generally indicated by the numeral  26 . In addition to the foregoing, it will be seen in  FIG. 1  that the first convexly curved sidewall  21  defines an aperture which is indicated by the numeral  30 . A translucent lens  31  is provided, and which is operable to substantially occlude the aperture  30 . The translucent lens  31  has a number of pockets or facets  32  which direct emitted visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation in a given pattern, and direction and which is different from that pattern of light which is emitted when the assembly  10  is operating in a first mode  11 . This is seen in  FIG. 1 . The translucent lens  31  may be formed in a number of different colors and is operable to occlude the aperture and is secured to the housing  20  in the manner of a snap-fit as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 1 , it will be seen that the assembly  10  includes a motor mount which is generally indicated by the numeral  40 , and which is positioned or is otherwise fastened in a fixed location within the cavity  25  of the mirror housing  20 . A motor, of traditional design  41  is generally shown and is mounted on the motor mount  40  and is operable to move or otherwise orient a bezel  42  in various orientations in substantially occluding relation relative to the mirror opening  26 . The bezel  42  has a mounting surface  43 , which is generally considered the forward facing surface of same even though it is facing generally rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The bezel  42  is defined by a peripheral edge  44 . A sidewall  45  extends generally normally outwardly relative to the peripheral edge and defines a region  46  which will securably receive a semitransparent mirror as will be described below. Still further, an aperture  47  is defined in the bezel  42 , and is useful for the purposes which will be described hereinafter. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the peripheral edge  44  is positioned in spaced relation relative to the sidewall  22 . Therefore, the cavity  25  communicates with the surrounding ambient environment. In view of this, fine particulate matter, such as dust and dirt from the ambient environment, may find its way in the cavity  25  and coat the surfaces and other structures enclosed in the mirror housing  20 . Aspects of the present invention, which will be disclosed below, substantially prevent this from occurring with respect to the translucent lens  31 .  
      The assembly  10  of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  includes a semitransparent mirror which is generally indicated by the numeral  50 . Referring now to  FIG. 3-6 , the semitransparent mirror has an exterior facing surface  51 , and an opposite inwardly facing surface  52 . Like the bezel  42 , the outer surface of the semitransparent mirror  50  is generally considered the forwardly facing surface of same even though it is facing generally rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. Similarly, the inwardly facing surface is considered the rearward facing surface of same even though it is facing generally forwardly relative to the vehicle upon which it is mounted. The semitransparent mirror further is defined by a peripheral edge  53  which substantially corresponds in shape and size to the mirror opening  26  as defined by the mirror housing  20  and is further engaged by the sidewall  45  of the mirror bezel  42 . When assembled, the semitransparent mirror  50  substantially occludes the mirror opening  26 . The semitransparent mirror  50  of the subject invention  10  may take on several forms as seen in  FIGS. 3-6  respectively. In this regard, the semitransparent mirror  50  may comprise, in a first form, a supporting substantially transparent or translucent substrate  54  which has a forward facing surface  55 , and an opposite rearwardly facing surface  56  as seen in  FIG. 4 . A highly reflective mirror coating  60  is formed, on the rearward facing surface  56 . As should be understood, the mirror coating  60  may be applied, in an alternative form to the forward facing surface of the substrate  54 . The discussion which follows, therefore, is applicable to semitransparent mirrors where the mirror coating is applied to either the forward or rearward facing surfaces thereof. The highly reflective mirror coating  60  may comprise any number of different highly reflective or mirror-like coatings or substances such as chromium, and the like, and which may be applied or formed in a manner which provides a commercially acceptable reflective surface. For automotive applications, the resulting reflectance of the semitransparent mirror  50  should generally be on average greater than about 35%.  
      As seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , the semitransparent mirror  50  has a first or primary region  61 , and through which a visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation signal may pass. Still further, the semitransparent mirror has an adjacent secondary region  62 . While only two regions are shown and discussed herein, it is of course possible to have a plurality of primary and secondary regions depending upon the end use of the assembly  10 . As a general matter, however, the first or primary region  61  passes a portion of the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation directed at same, while simultaneously reflecting a given percentage of the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which comes from the ambient environment. On the other hand, the secondary region is operable to reflect visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation, and is otherwise considered substantially opaque. As discussed above, the combined average reflectance of the overall surface area of the semitransparent mirror  50  including both the primary and secondary regions  61  and  62 , is normally greater than about 35% when the assembly  10  is employed for automotive applications. In other industrial applications, the average reflectance may be lower or higher depending upon the desired end use. As seen in the drawings, the secondary region  62  is substantially continuous and reflects, for automotive applications, greater than about 35% of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation, and passes less than about 10% of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation. The first or primary region  61 , on the other hand passes less than about 50% of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation and further reflects, on average, less than about 40% of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation. The ranges noted above have been found suitable for automotive applications, however, it will be recognized that other broadened or narrower ranges may be useful for other industrial applications.  
      As seen in  FIG. 4 , in a first form of the invention, the mirror coating  60 , and more specifically the first or primary region  61 , of the semitransparent mirror  50 , includes a plurality of discreet apertures  63 , and which may be formed in a number of given patterns, and in various densities. As recognized by a study of  FIG. 4 , which is greatly exaggerated, the plurality of discreet apertures extend in this form of the invention through the mirror coating  60  to the rearward facing surface  56  of the transparent substrate  54 . In an alternative form of the invention, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , reduced thickness areas  64  will be formed in the mirror coating  60 . These reduced thickness areas have been termed “thin chrome” in the art and are further described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724, the teachings of which are incorporated herein. These reduced thickness areas allow increased amounts of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough in relative comparison to the adjacent thicker areas in the secondary region  62 . Therefore, the secondary region  62  has a first thickness dimension for the mirror coating  60 , which is greater than the thickness dimension of the mirror coating  60  which defines the first or primary region  61 . Still further, these two approaches may be combined and wherein the apertures  63  may be joined or placed adjacent to a reduced thickness area  64 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another form of a semitransparent mirror  50  is shown, and which is useful in the present invention. In this form of the invention, the substrate  54  has applied thereto a dichroic mirror coating  65 . The usefulness of dichroic mirrors of various types have been discussed in various U.S. patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,014,167 and 5,207,492 to name but a few. The dichroic mirror coatings  65  which are useful for such mirrors are also well known in the art, and further discussion regarding these dichroic mirror coatings is not warranted. As seen in  FIG. 5 a  substantially opaque masking layer  66  is applied over the secondary region  62  thereby making the secondary region substantially opaque. Visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation is passed through the first or primary region  61 , which remains unmasked. As discussed in the earlier prior art patents, the dichroic mirror coating  65  may be selected to pass given bands of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation in greater amounts than other bands of electromagnetic radiation, thereby making the resulting semitransparent mirror  50 , on average, an acceptable reflector of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation while simultaneously allowing increased amounts of electromagnetic radiation of the selected band of electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough.  
      In yet another form of the invention an acceptable semitransparent mirror  50  which may be employed in the present invention  10  is seen in  FIG. 6 , and which illustrates a prior art arrangement for a signaling assembly which utilizes an electrochromic mirror  70 . The electrochromic mirror  70  includes a front or transparent element or substrate  71  and further has applied to its rearwardly facing surface a transparent electrically conductive material  72  and a layer of color suppression material which is generally indicated by the numeral  73 . In the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 6 , and electrochromic fluid or gel  74  is provided and which is sandwiched between the front element  71  and a rear element  75  which is also transparent. As seen in  FIG. 6 , a conductive thin film reflector/electrode  76  is positioned in spaced relation relative to the front element  71 . Still further, a plurality of apertures  77  are formed in this conductive thin film/electrode  77  and which permit the passage of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough, and which forms a visibly discernable signal, as might be formed during the first mode of operation  11  of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 6 , an electromagnetic radiation emitter, or light source  80  is provided, and which is disposed at an oblique orientation relative to the electrochromic mirror  70 . Still further, a light baffle assembly  81  is provided and which is substantially identical to that described in our previous U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,746, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein. The light baffle assembly directs visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation to strike the electrochromic mirror  70  in a given orientation such that it can be transmitted into a given illumination zone during the first mode of operation  11 . A light sensor  82  is provided and which is oriented in a fashion so as to receive ambient electromagnetic radiation passing through the apertures  83  which are formed in the thin film reflector/electrode  76 , thereby allowing for the automatic adjustment of the reflectance of the electrochromic mirror  70 . This prior art arrangement is discussed in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,624 the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein. As will be appreciated by a study of  FIG. 6 , the electrochromic mirror  70 , as shown herein, may be useful in the practice of the invention as will be discussed in greater detail below.  
      The electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  of the present invention includes a circuit substrate  100  which is best seen by references to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the circuit substrate which is positioned in juxtaposed relation relative to the rear surface  52  of the semitransparent mirror  50 , has a main body  101  with a first surface  102  and an opposite second surface  103 . The circuit substrate is fabricated from a substantially electrically non-conductive material which is flexible, and which substantially conforms to the topography and or shape of the rearwardly facing surface  52  of the semitransparent mirror  50 . The circuit substrate has a first end  104  and an opposite second end  105 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the main body  101  has a region or aperture  110  formed near the first end  104  and which is operable to pass visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation therethrough. In an alternative form of the invention, the region  110  may comprise a transparent or translucent substrate. As best understood by a study of  FIG. 1 , this region  110  is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the region  61  as more fully seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the circuit substrate  100  includes a first portion  111  which lies in juxtaposed relation relative to the rear surface  52  and in substantially covering relation relative to the second region  62  of the semitransparent mirror  50 . Further, the circuit substrate includes a second, flexible portion  112  which can be bent or otherwise deformed as seen in  FIG. 1  in order to place the distal end thereof in an appropriate orientation relative to the translucent lens  31  and which is positioned in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture  30 . A first electrical pathway  113  is formed on the first and second portions  111  and  112 , respectively. Still further, a second electrical pathway  114  is formed solely on the first portion  111 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , a first plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A are mounted on the first portion  111  of the circuit substrate  100  and positioned adjacent to the region or aperture  110  which is operable to pass visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation. Still further, a second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 B are mounted on the distal end of the second portion  112 . Each of the electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A and B are individually electrically coupled to the first electrical pathway  113 . A plurality of electrical contacts  116  are individually electrically coupled to the first and second electrical pathways  113  and  114  to provide a means by which an external source of electricity (not shown) may be selectively supplied to the first and second electrical pathways for the purposes which will be described in the paragraphs below. The second portion  112  of the circuit substrate is sized and shaped such that when it is installed, as seen in  FIG. 1 , it may, in some forms of the invention, substantially occlude the aperture  30 , and thereby prevents dust, grime, or road dirt which has found its way into the housing cavity  25 , from coating the inside facing surface of the translucent lens  31 , and preventing the passage of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation therethrough. Still further, in other forms of the invention, the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate may only partially occlude the aperture  30 . Additionally, the second portion of the circuit substrate  112  is typically substantially opaque and therefore impedes the passage of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation therethrough. This feature of the invention substantially prevents ambient visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which has passed into the mirror housing  20  from a location either in front of, or rearwardly of the mirror housing from exiting the housing and potentially being misinterpreted by an adjacent observer (not shown) as a visible signal emitted by the apparatus  10 . In the alternative, this feature of the invention substantially prevents visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the respective electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A and B from entering into the housing cavity  25 . Additionally, and while discrete electromagnetic radiation emitters  1115 A and B are shown and electrically coupled to the circuit substrate  100 , it will be recognized that discrete circuit boards as well as other electrically actuated assemblies (not shown), could also be electrically coupled with same and which could achieve the benefits of the present invention.  
      As seen in  FIG. 1 , the electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  of the present invention further includes a reflector  120  which is disposed in substantially covering, eccentric reflecting relation relative to the electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A which are positioned near the first end of the circuit substrate  100 . When energized, these electromagnetic radiation emitters emit visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the reflector  120  and which passes through the region  110  of the first portion  111  of the circuit substrate  100 . In the first mode of operation  11  as seen in  FIG. 1 , this visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation forms a visibly discernable signal which can be seen substantially laterally and rearwardly relative to an overland vehicle upon which this device is positioned. In addition to the foregoing, when electrical energy is supplied to the first electrical pathway  113  to energize the electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A positioned near the first end  104  of the circuit substrate  100 , this same electrical energy is also supplied to the electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 B which are positioned on the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate. As seen in  FIG. 1 , these electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 B are positioned so as to emit visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which is directed towards the lens  30  which is positioned in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture  30  which is formed in the sidewall  21 . Therefore, as will be seen, providing electrical power to the first electrical pathway  113  has the effect of forming a visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation signal which can be seen both laterally, and forwardly and rearwardly relative to the mirror housing  20  in the first and second modes of operation  11  and  12 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 1 , a mounting bracket which is generally indicated by the numeral  121 , is operable to releasably engage the second portion  112 , of the circuit substrate  100  and thereby releasably mounts the electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 B which are positioned on the second portion  112  in an orientation such that the emitted electromagnetic radiation provided by these same electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 B passes through the aperture  30  and associated translucent lens  32 . The mounting bracket  121  is sized and shaped such that it substantially occludes the aperture  30 , and substantially prevents dust, grime, or dirt which may have entered into the housing cavity  25  from being deposited on the translucent lens  31 . The mounting bracket is typically opaque, and is therefore operable to impeded visible light from entering into the housing cavity  25 . In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate may be secured in an appropriate orientation by means of various welding techniques, or by the use of adhesives or the like. In the embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 2 , it will be recognized that the second electrical pathway  114 , and which is formed on the flexible electrically insulative circuit substrate  100  defines a heater which, when energized imparts heat energy to the second region  62  of the semitransparent mirror  50  which is juxtaposed thereto. In yet another form of the invention, a third electrically conductive pathway (not shown) could be formed on the circuit substrate and which could be electrically coupled to the electrochromic mirror  70  as seen in  FIG. 6 . As should be understood, the selective energizing of this third electrically conductive pathway would have the effect of changing the relative reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror  70  making it more or less reflective depending upon ambient lighting conditions as detected by the sensor  82 .  
     Operation  
      The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1  and following, an assembly  10  of the present invention is seen, and which includes a circuit substrate  100  having a first portion  111 , and a flexible second portion  112 , and wherein the circuit substrate  100  defines at least one electrical pathway  113 . A first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical pathway and is located on the first portion  111  of the circuit substrate; and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 B is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical pathway and is located on the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate  100 . As discussed above, the at least one electrical pathway  113  is electrically coupled to a source of electricity by way of the pair of electrical contacts  116 , and wherein delivery of electricity to the electrical pathway  113  causes each of the first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A and B to become energized and emit visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation. In the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one electrical pathway  113  may be arranged such that the delivery of electricity to the electrical pathway causes the respective electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A and B to be selectively energized. As seen in  FIG. 2 , a second electrical pathway  114  is borne by the circuit substrate  100 . In this arrangement, a source of electricity is coupled to the second electrical pathway  114 , and the energizing of the second electrical pathway causes heat energy to be generated, and which is imparted to the semitransparent mirror  50  which is juxtaposed relative thereto. As will be appreciated by a study of  FIG. 6 , an electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  of the present invention may include a semitransparent mirror  50  which includes an electrochromic fluid or gel  74 . In this arrangement, and in one possible form of the invention, the second electrical pathway  114  which is borne by the first portion  111 , would be arranged so as to be electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid or gel. In the alternative, a third electrical pathway (not shown) could be formed on the circuit substrate  100  and be electrically coupled to the electrochromic mirror  70 . In this arrangement, as discussed above, the assembly  10  would include a visibly discernable signal  11  and  12 , a heater as formed by the electrically conductive pathway  114 , and an electrical circuit (not shown) for controlling the reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror  70 . In the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second electrical pathways are coupled with a source of electricity (not shown) and may be selectively energized depending upon the operational conditions of the overland vehicle, or outside ambient conditions.  
      As was discussed earlier in this application, the semitransparent mirror  50  has a first region  61  which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and a second region  62  which is adjacent thereto and which is substantially opaque, that is, it passes less than about 10% of visibly discernable light. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the first portion  111  of the circuit substrate  100  is juxtaposed relative to the semitransparent mirror  50 , and the first electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A emit visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which passes through the first region  61  of the semitransparent mirror  50 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , a housing  20  is provided, and which supports the semitransparent mirror  50 . The sidewall  21  defines a region  30  which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation. As also seen in  FIG. 1 , the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate  100  is juxtaposed, at least in part, relative to the region of the sidewall  30  which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation. In the arrangement as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the region or aperture  110  which passes visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation  11  and which is defined by the circuit substrate  100  may be substantially continuous and translucent, or on the other hand, may define a single aperture as seen in  FIG. 2 , and which is operable to pass visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation. This region or aperture  110  is substantially aligned with the first region  61  of the semitransparent mirror  50 . In the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 1 , a reflector  120  is disposed in covering, eccentric reflecting relation relative to the first electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A and which are positioned at or near the first end  104  of the circuit substrate  100 . When energized, these electromagnetic radiation emitters  115 A emit visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the reflector, and which passes through the region  110  of the first portion  111  of the circuit substrate  100  and which further passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation and thereafter through the first region  61  of the semitransparent mirror  50 .  
      Therefore one aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  which includes a mirror housing  20  which is defined by a sidewall  21 , and a semitransparent mirror  50  is borne by the housing, and has a first region  61  which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and a second region  62  which is adjacent thereto. In the present form of the invention an electrical pathway  113  is borne by the semitransparent mirror  50 , and a first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A is electrically coupled to the electrical pathway  113  and positioned adjacent to the first region  61 , and which, when energized, emits electromagnetic radiation which is passed, at least in part, by the first region  61 , and in a first direction such as seen with respect to the first mode of operation  11 . Still further, a second electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 B is electrically coupled to the electrical pathway  113 , and which, when energized, emits visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which passes through the sidewall  21 , of the housing  20 , and in a second direction such as seen with respect to he second mode of operation  12 . As earlier disclosed, the sidewall  21  defines an aperture  30 , and further a translucent lens  32  is provided, and which substantially occludes the aperture defined by the sidewall. In the arrangement as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a second electrical pathway  114  is provided, and which is juxtaposed relative to the semitransparent mirror  50 , and which when energized imparts heat energy to the semitransparent mirror  50 .  
      Therefore, it will be seen in another aspect of the invention that an electromagnetic radiation assembly  10  includes a housing  20  having a sidewall  21  and which defines a cavity  25 , and wherein the sidewall further defines an aperture  30 . A translucent lens  31  is positioned in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture  30 . A semitransparent mirror  50  is borne by the housing  20  and which has an outwardly facing surface  51 , and an inwardly facing surface  52  which defines at least in part the cavity  25  of the housing  20 . The semitransparent mirror  50  has a first region  61  which passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and a second region  62  which is adjacent thereto and which is substantially opaque. An electrically insulative circuit substrate  100  is provided, and which has a first portion  111  which is juxtaposed relative to the inside facing surface  52  of the semitransparent mirror  50 , and a second portion  112  which is positioned, at least in part, near the translucent lens  31 . A first electrical pathway  113  is borne by the circuit substrate  100 , and which is operable to be selectively electrically coupled to a source of electrical power. A first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A is borne by a first portion  111  of the circuit substrate  100 , and which is electrically coupled with the first electrical pathway, and wherein the first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A, when energized, emits visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which passes through the first region  61  of the semitransparent mirror  50 . Yet further, a second electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 B is borne by the second portion  112  of the circuit substrate  100 , and which is electrically coupled to first electrical pathway  113 . The second electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 B, when energized, emits visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation which is passed by the translucent lens  31 . Still further, a reflector  120  is disposed in substantially eccentric covering reflecting relation relative to the first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A, and which reflects the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first electromagnetic radiation emitter  115 A through the first region  61  of the semitransparent mirror  50 .  
      Therefore, it will be seen that the assembly  10  of the present invention provides a convenient means by which the shortcomings of the prior art devices or assemblies can be readily rectified, and which further provides an assembly which achieves additional benefits by providing a visual signal which can be seen through a wide range of locations relative to an overland vehicle, for example, upon which it is installed and which has not been possible heretofore.  
      In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.