Abstract: An energy capturing device is positionable above a roof of a building, structure, or object. Each of a plurality of lifting components has a short leg with an inner end coupled to the building, structure, or object and has a long leg with an upper end positionable above the building, structure or object. An upper pivot member couples the upper ends of the long legs to the energy capturing device. A lower pivot member pivots the energy capturing device between a raised operative orientation above the building, structure, or object and a lowered inoperative orientation beneath the building, structure, or object. A control system allows positioning the energy capturing device with respect to the building, structure, or object.

Abstract: Each of two turret-shaped modules has a generally hemispherical configuration facing outwardly and a disk-shaped flange facing inwardly. The flanges are similarly configured with a planar surface and circular periphery. An axial bore extends centrally through each module parallel with the planar surfaces for receiving and supporting first and second cylindrical objects. A V-band encompasses the flanges with the planar surfaces in contact with each other. The clamp includes a rotatable member to loosen and tighten the clamp. In this manner, the flanges and modules are rotated and fixed with respect to the received and supported cylindrical objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reflectance of a mirror of a vehicle. A first sensor measures an ambient light condition outside the vehicle. A second sensor measures a glare from the mirror. A controller identifies a characteristic of the vehicle, and adjusts the reflectance of the mirror based on the characteristic, the ambient light condition, and the glare.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing a motor vehicle side door from coming into contact with an obstacle are provided. One system includes an outside rear view mirror, a camera coupled to the outside rear view mirror, and a controller coupled to the camera. The camera is configured to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle, and the controller is configured to disable the side door if the obstacle is within a threshold distance of the side door. Another system replaces the camera with an ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle. A method includes determining the distance between a plurality of motor vehicle side doors and the obstacle, and automatically disabling each motor vehicle side door that is within a threshold distance of the obstacle.

Abstract: A mount for a rearview mirror includes a base having a bottom surface for adhesive attachment to a windshield glass, a top surface, opposed side surfaces with dovetail walls, and end walls. A mirror mount has dovetail engaging sidewalls that slide onto the dovetail walls of the base. A locking lever is pivotally mounted on the mirror mount and has a cam surface thereon that swings into engagement with the top surface of the base to lock the mirror mount against sliding movement on the base so that the mirror mount is thereby mounted on the base. The locking lever has a handle portion that is flush with a surface of the mirror mount when the cam surface of the locking lever engages with the top surface to provide tactile and visible feedback that the mirror has been properly mounted on the base.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reflectance of a mirror of a vehicle. A first sensor measures an ambient light condition outside the vehicle. A second sensor measures a glare from the mirror. A controller identifies a characteristic of the vehicle, and adjusts the reflectance of the mirror based on the characteristic, the ambient light condition, and the glare.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing a motor vehicle side door from coming into contact with an obstacle are provided. One system includes an outside rear view mirror, a camera coupled to the outside rear view mirror, and a controller coupled to the camera. The camera is configured to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle, and the controller is configured to disable the side door if the obstacle is within a threshold distance of the side door. Another system replaces the camera with an ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle. A method includes determining the distance between a plurality of motor vehicle side doors and the obstacle, and automatically disabling each motor vehicle side door that is within a threshold distance of the obstacle.