With Switch Or Motor Controlling Mirror Movement Patents (Class 359/877)
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Patent number: 8000568Abstract: An optical comprising two or more mixed optical switches co-packaged together comprising discrete sets of fiber ports, each configured as N×1 optical switch or 1×N optical switch, wherein ?n from said input fiber ports is focused on ?n mirror via the use of shared free space optics elements, wherein beam steering elements steers ?n from any point in the optical path to any other point; and discrete arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors in a shared array, wherein first array of mirrors is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths from input fiber ports to output fiber port of the same set, wherein second array of mirrors using and sharing the same shared optics is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths between input and output ports belonging to another set; and wherein output fiber ports from one set can be coupled to input ports of other sets.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Harry Wayne Presley, Michael L. Nagy
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Patent number: 7982853Abstract: The invention proposes a Subpixel Scroll method, which optically shifts the position of the mirror elements to the projection axis by one subpixel size each, with an additional 45° mirror between DMD and projection optics. The 45° mirror is shifted by ¼ mirror element width by means of a controllable actuator. The size of this change of position and the time are synchronized in such a way by the position indicator signals of the scan sled that the mirror element seems to stand relative to the substrate surface element. This resetting is however not bound to the DMD-switching speed of 10 kHz. Among other advantages, the invention reduces the blur at the edge transition by the higher resolution and facilitates a higher scan velocity, whereby the scan velocity depends on the dynamics of the actuator, the effective UV-power of the UV-source and the sensitivity of the photosensitive polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Radove GmbHInventors: Dariusz Skibicki, Tomasz Paczkowski, Piotr Domanowski
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Patent number: 7966904Abstract: A drive system for rotating an assembly, such as an external vehicle mirror housing, about an axis is provided with a drive housing containing a worm drive assembly coupled to an axis gear mounted about the axis. The worm drive assembly is rotated by an electric motor. The axis gear is stationary with respect to the axis, such that rotation of the worm drive assembly will cause it to travel about the axis gear. Such movement of the worm drive assembly will cause the drive housing and the associated external vehicle mirror housing to rotate about the axis. Thrust transmitted to the worm drive assembly is transmitted to a central portion of the drive housing by a shaft retainer associated with the worm drive assembly. Play between the axis gear and the worm drive assembly is prevented by eliminating separation between adjacent components of the worm drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Questek Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Dale R. Krueger
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Publication number: 20110116181Abstract: Primary Collimation Assist (PCA) will allow one to collimate the primary mirror of a dobsonian telescope completely from the location of the focuser by remotely turning the telescope's collimation knobs by operating a transmitter. Usage requirements for the current version of the invention are that the collimation knob be hexagonal in shape with a ? inch socket size and the telescope have upper adjoining structural support beams in the mirror box or ceilings housing the collimation knob so as to adhere 2 two inch Velcro strips on either side of the collimation knob to attach three servo motors which power the turn in both directions and with varying gradations of speed. PCA offers the user more convenience, independence and optimized precision to the task of collimating the primary mirror of a large dobsonian telescope.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: James Sofia
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Patent number: 7934843Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror system includes an exterior sideview mirror assembly including a plano-auxiliary reflective element having a rearward field of view when attached to a side of an automobile. The plano reflective element and the auxiliary reflective element are mounted adjacently at the reflective element assembly in a side-by-side relationship and not superimposed. The plano reflective element and the auxiliary reflective element are supported at a backing plate element. The rearward field of view of the auxiliary reflective element may be different from and angled to the rearward field of view of the plano reflective element. The plano reflective element and/or the auxiliary reflective element may have one of (a) a glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7887202Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a reflective element assembly providing a reflective view, a base mounted to a motor vehicle, a support arm assembly having a first end attached to the base for movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and a second end mounted to the reflective element assembly, a detent assembly interposed between the first end of the support arm assembly and the base, and a pivot assembly associated with the detent assembly and adapted for manual and motorized movement of the support arm assembly between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. The detent assembly includes an actuator plate and a detent plate, the actuator plate having a first series of detent structures and the detent plate having a second series of detent structures complementary to the first series of detent structures for nested engagement of the actuator plate and the detent plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth C. Peterson
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Patent number: 7885743Abstract: An electric mirror control device provided with a proportionality constant conversion means for converting the proportionality constant of a detection output voltage to the angle of a mirror surface to be positive or negative. When an up-down sensor and a right-left sensor for detecting the angle of the mirror surface have a plurality of specifications, each of which has a different proportionality constant of the detection output voltage to the angle of the mirror surface, controller determines the specification of the angle sensors based on whether the proportionality constant of the detection output voltage output via the proportionality constant conversion means is positive or negative, and controls an up-down motor or a right-left motor in accordance with the determined specification stored in advance.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiki Noro, Kenji Shioiri
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Patent number: 7883223Abstract: A mirror system for a motor vehicle comprises a reflective element assembly, a support bracket, a tilt actuator, and a fastener system for fastening at least one of the reflective element assembly and the tilt actuator to at least one of the tilt actuator and the support bracket. The fastener system comprises a projection on one of the reflective element assembly and the support bracket, and a receptacle on the other of the support bracket and the tilt actuator. The projection can be removably interlocked with the receptacle to fasten the reflective element assembly or the tilt actuator to the tilt actuator or the support bracket, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kenneth C. Peterson
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Patent number: 7883224Abstract: A rotation range control mechanism includes a clutch holder provided around a shaft, a washer fixed to a casing, a control convex portion arranged on the clutch holder, and contact portions arranged on the washer.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7810939Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Publication number: 20100246041Abstract: A natural lighting system tracks natural light or sunlight, effectively draws the light, distributes the light to necessary places, and sequentially scans the light on the scanning area. The natural lighting system collects the sunlight and then reflects the collected sunlight to a target scanning area based on a sequential scanning mode, and includes at least one reflector disposed according to an optimum control angle for collecting the sunlight, and a sequential scanning drive continuously adjusting the reflector so as to allow the sunlight transferred from the reflector to be sequentially scanned on the target scanning area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Seung-Han Kim
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Publication number: 20100232043Abstract: An optical module includes a substrate, an optical element directly built in a predetermined area of the substrate, and a piezoelectric element directly formed on the substrate along the circumference of the optical element. The piezoelectric element drives the optical element, by displacing the predetermined area of the substrate, in such a manner to displace the optical element in the direction of the optical axis of the optical element or to incline the optical axis of the optical element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Yoshikazu HISHINUMA
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Publication number: 20100232045Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting structure, an electrical actuator and a reflective element. The mounting structure may be configured to be detachably mounted at an attachment element adhered to an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The mounting structure is adjustable relative to the vehicle windshield to generally vertically adjust a nominal setting of a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The electrical actuator is operable to adjust the reflective element in order to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor having a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The forward field of view of the imaging sensor may not be adjusted when the electrical actuator adjusts the rearward field of view of the reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7779728Abstract: An arrangement for orienting a device angularly is provided with a back element on which the device to be oriented is installed. A ball and a spherical gear are arranged concentrically. A base portion has a socket that engages with the ball. Also, a motor having a rotatory shaft is installed on the base portion, and a worm drive element is coupled to the rotatory shaft and arranged to engage the spherical gear when the ball and socket are engaged, whereby the spherical gear is urged along the longitudinal axis of the tapered worm drive element and the tapered worm drive element slides along the gear teeth of the spherical gear. The motor enhances the rigidity of the base portion. The worm drive element and the spherical gear disengage in response to the application of a force through the first spherical gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: FlexSys, Inc.Inventors: Joel A. Hetrick, Gregory F. Ervin
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Publication number: 20100202072Abstract: A rear view mirror for a vehicle has certain asymmetrical aerodynamic features that are combined with construction details that render the assembly invertible for use on either side of the vehicle and easier to install than its prior art counterparts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Michael Ferman, Oliver Clemens Robert Kratzer
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Patent number: 7753537Abstract: A glare reduction device that includes a pair of external mirrors located on a vehicle, with each mirror including an internal motor and a layer of light-reducing covering that is extendable and retractable over each mirror by a small, internal electric motor. The light-reducing covering is preferably a glare-reducing glass panel, but may also be a glare-reducing film or a glare-reducing filter, with the light-reducing covering being mounted within a guide track. Each of the motors is controlled by a control switch that is located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, with each electric motor receiving power from the 12-volt DC electrical system of the vehicle. When the motor is activated, it will either extend or retract the light-reducing covering as needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Beverly Bristow
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Patent number: 7748857Abstract: A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket and a mirror head, a pair of parallel outer arm assemblies (20, 20?) having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a rack (28, 28?), a pair of parallel inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) and extending into respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), each inner arm assembly (40, 40?) having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of driving pinion gears (50, 50?), each engaging a respective rack (28, 28?), a pinion drive shaft (53), a drive motor (60), and a gear train, the drive motor (60) driving the inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) to move telescopically with respect to their respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), wherein each outer arm assembly (20, 20?) is recessed back from the distal end towards the bracket to allow the pinion drive shaft assembly to travel towards the bracket behind the front portion of the outer arm assembly (20, 20?).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Garry Fimeri, Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Matthew John Reedman, Simon Belcher
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Patent number: 7722199Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting structure, an electrical actuator and a reflective element. The mounting structure may be configured to be detachably mounted at an attachment element adhered to an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The mounting structure is adjustable relative to the vehicle windshield to generally vertically adjust a nominal setting of a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The electrical actuator is operable to adjust the reflective element in order to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor having a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The forward field of view of the imaging sensor may not be adjusted when the electrical actuator adjusts the rearward field of view of the reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7722200Abstract: An electric mirror control device is provided which can prevent generation of a clutch noise by stopping slipping of a clutch provided at an actuator as quickly as possible while preventing narrowing of an allowable range of a tilting angle of a mirror surface. In controlling an electric mirror, a control device clamps a voltage value of a voltage applied to a motor detected by a mirror surface angle detection circuit to a predetermined upper limit value and a predetermined lower limit value at a clamp circuit. Stop control of the motor is performed based on the voltage value clamped to the upper limit value and the lower limit value in this way.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Hiromi Iwasaki, Ayako Yamada
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Patent number: 7703933Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is to provide a mirror surface angle adjusting device in which an assembly error between first housing (A1) and second housing (A2) does not affect the assembly accuracy of worm wheels (A71) badly, and which can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to the aspect is characterized in that the worm wheels (A71) contained in the actuator (A) are held by the second housing (A2) in such a way that the worm wheels are not detached along their respective central axes and rotate around the respective central axes. This mirror surface angle adjusting device can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. In addition, even if there is any assembly error between the first housing (A1) and the second housing (A2), this error does not affects the assembly accuracy of the worm wheels (A71) badly.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Akira Fukai, Hisaya Suzuki, Tohru Yamana
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Patent number: 7699478Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a vehicle mountable support and a support arm. A mirror housing is movable along the support arm between the support and a distal end. An electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism can adjust the mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes. An electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism pivots the support arm about the support between an extended position and a position folded against a vehicle side. An electronic control system controls movement of the mirror housing along the support arm, and folding of the support arm, independent of an adjustment of the mirror unit. The electronic control system comprises a memorized position for the powered pivoting and extending mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7702194Abstract: An optical system comprising two or more optical switches co-packaged together comprising discrete sets of input fiber ports (N per set) and an output fiber port (1 per set), wherein ?n from said set of multiple input fiber ports (N) is focused on ?n mirrors via the use of shared free space optics, wherein said beam steering elements steers ?n from any point in the optical path to any other point; and discrete arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors in a shared array, wherein a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths from the first set of input fiber ports (N) to an output fiber port of the same set, and wherein a second array of MEMS mirrors using and sharing the same free space optics as the first MEMS array is utilized to produce yet another fiber optic switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Harry Wayne Presley, Michael L. Nagy
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Patent number: 7690800Abstract: A mirror angle controller is provided which includes a pivot plate (H) which is attached to a reverse side of a mirror (M), and an actuator (A) which holds the pivot plate (H), in which the actuator (A) includes a housing (A1), a rod (A3) which pushes and pulls the pivot plate (H), and a motor which provides driving force to the rod (A3), in which, a ringed holder (121) which is placed to surround the rod (A3) is formed in the housing (A1), and in which the pivot plate (H) includes a ringed sliding part (H31) which is contact with and arbitrarily slides on the holder (121), and an engaging part which is engaged with an end of the rod (A3) so as to securely hold the mirror (M).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Akira Fukai, Hisaya Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100079883Abstract: A system and/or apparatus provided as a side-view or rear-view mirror for providing a plurality of independently moveable reflective surfaces to enable a driver increased visibility. To increase visibility for the driver, the system and/or apparatus includes a camera for providing images around a vehicle to the driver within a vehicle during low-light or poor lighting conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: Benjamin ENGLANDER
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Publication number: 20100073792Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a make-mirror designed to direct airflow to a user's face, and includes a mirror embedded in a housing that encases a fan, and is vented to direct airflow to a user's face. Various embodiments may include lighting, bases, stands, extension arms, components for flush mounting the invention to a wall, electrical wiring, battery adapted power components, and solar power components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Lisa Limjoco
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Patent number: 7682032Abstract: A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
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Publication number: 20100067131Abstract: Then invention is related to a rear view mirror attached to a vehicle comprising a mirror housing. The reflective element is fixed in relation to the mirror housing and the mirror housing is movable versus the vehicle by separately extendable elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Raimund NEGEL
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Patent number: 7670015Abstract: In an optical switch controller, in order that residual vibration at movement control of a movable body such as a tilt mirror can be reduced and controlled with high accuracy, a processing unit outputs a driving signal for controlling the angle of the tilt mirror, the driving signal is D/A converted by a D/A converter and then is changed to a high-voltage signal by a high-voltage amplifier to be supplied to the tilt mirror, the electrostatic capacity of the tilt mirror changes corresponding to angle change of the tilt mirror, a mirror-angle detecting unit detects the electrostatic capacity and feeds back it as a correction value to a processing unit, and the processing unit corrects the driving signal using a correction value obtained when the angle of the tilt mirror is actually changed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satoshi Ide, Kazuyuki Mori, Kensuke Takahashi, Toru Matsuyama
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Publication number: 20100046104Abstract: The rear-view mirror system for an automobile to eliminate driver blind spots comprises electrically controlled external side rear-view mirrors and an electrically controlled interior center rear-view mirror, and a control unit which rotates the external rear-view mirrors and moves and turns the interior center rear view mirror to provide a view of the blind spot. The system is activated either by the driver by a button press, or automatically upon initiation of a turn signal or upon turning of the steering wheel, and then automatically released to return the mirrors to their normal position after a predetermined length of time or upon completion of a turn.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Mate Rimac
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Patent number: 7652403Abstract: A motor assembly includes a motor, a circuit board on which a control circuit to control the motor and a plug unit are mounted, and a supporting member which supports the motor and the circuit board. The motor is provided with a socket unit in which the plug unit is fitted. The supporting member has a board supporting portion to support the circuit board, a motor supporting portion to support the motor, and a supporting member engagement portion. The plug unit has a plug unit engagement portion which is engaged with the supporting member engagement portion. The plug unit engagement portion is engaged with the supporting member engagement portion when the plug unit is fitted in the socket unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
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Patent number: 7628499Abstract: A wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a mirror foot and a mirror housing connected to the mirror foot. The mirror housing is adjustable between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. The wing mirror unit further includes an actuator arranged to move adjacent surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot transversely with respect to each other between a first position, in which the adjacent surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot form a slit, and a second position, in which the adjacent surfaces abut each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7626749Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element having at least one substrate with a reflective coating thereon. A specularly reflective indicia reflector is established to form indicia or information at the reflective element. The indicia reflector provides a visible contrast to the main mirror reflector so that the indicia or information is subtly viewable by a person viewing the mirror assembly. The reflective element reflects light incident thereon over the surface coated by the reflective coating of the main mirror reflector, including the area at which the indicia reflector is established.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7626754Abstract: An apparatus and method for steering a beam of light using an array of tunable optical phase delay elements is presented. The sidelobes of an angular spectrum of light reflected from the array are causing an optical crosstalk. The selected sidelobes are suppressed by perturbing the phase delay pattern of the array elements. The pattern of perturbations is found by linearizing a system of equations describing dependence of the angular spectrum of the reflected light on the phase delays introduced into the wavefront of light by the elements of the array.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventor: Christopher Reimer
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Publication number: 20090268293Abstract: The invention related to a rear view mirror using a plastic glass material to combine several functions as fixing and heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.I.Inventor: Bernard Duroux
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Patent number: 7594732Abstract: A side mirror assembly is provided with a plurality of mirror members arranged in a longitudinal array to decrease the lateral profile of the side mirror assembly, and thereby potentially increase fuel economy, without sacrificing field of view for the driver. The mirror members are arranged with reflective surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis running through the array, with the angles generally decreasing in a forward direction. An image of an object outside of the vehicle reflected by the mirror members is not reversed (i.e., the image is not a “mirror image” in which right and left sides are switched or flipped), thus increasing the ability of the driver to mentally process the image and respond in an appropriate manner. A method of manufacturing a side mirror assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Hamid G. Kia
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Patent number: 7585082Abstract: Disclosed are a mirror and an angle detection device that detects an inclined angle of a mirror surface of the mirror. A mirror includes a mirror surface, an actuator for swiveling the mirror surface, at least one magnet for changing its orientation by an angle according to a variation in an inclined angle of the mirror surface, and at least one signal output unit for outputting a signal according to the inclined angle, based on the orientation of the magnet. An angle detection device that detects an inclined angle of a mirror surface of a mirror includes at least one magnet for changing its orientation by an angle according to a variation in the inclined angle of the mirror surface, and at least one signal output unit for outputting a signal according to the inclined angle, based on the orientation of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Ayako Yamada
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Patent number: 7572018Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding mechanism for exterior rear-view mirrors in an automotive vehicle, comprising a housing integral with a mirror-carrying casing, and an actuated ring acting as an axis of rotation of the mentioned casing with respect to a support chassis fixed to the vehicle, the ring being provided with first positional fixing means susceptible to coupling the mentioned ring to the support chassis and with second positional fixing means which, in collaboration with a stop element integral with the housing and loaded by un elastic member, limit the rotation of the mentioned casing around the ring and according to one rotating direction, all this with the stop element and the elastic member being integrated in a single piece with elastic properties.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.Inventors: Jorge Errando Smet, Santiago Miguel Sanz, Angel Perez Trujillo
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Patent number: 7571041Abstract: A side rearview mirror control system for a vehicle that automatically changes a rear viewing angle of a side rearview mirror. The control system receives various vehicle inputs to determine if and when a vehicle operator will turn the vehicle, make a lane change, merge into a lane of traffic, etc. The system pivots the mirror to eliminate a potential blind spot during these conditions. In one embodiment, the rear view mirror control system receives input signals from a vehicle hand-wheel angle sensor, a vehicle yaw rate sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a turn signal indicator, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and map information to determine whether the vehicle is turning or will be turning.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Yong H. Lee, Weiwen Deng
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Patent number: 7568811Abstract: A holding member integrally includes a bearing pair that rotatably support at least one gear of rotation-force transmission mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Publication number: 20090190243Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is to provide a mirror surface angle adjusting device in which an assembly error between first housing (A1) and second housing (A2) does not affect the assembly accuracy of worm wheels (A71) badly, and which can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to the aspect is characterized in that the worm wheels (A71) contained in the actuator (A) are held by the second housing (A2) in such a way that the worm wheels are not detached along their respective central axes and rotate around the respective central axes. This mirror surface angle adjusting device can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. In addition, even if there is any assembly error between the first housing (A1) and the second housing (A2), this error does not affects the assembly accuracy of the worm wheels (A71) badly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2004Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Akira Fukai, Hisaya Suzuki, Tohru Yamana
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Publication number: 20090185301Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7562992Abstract: A holding member includes a bearing that receives a thrust force of at least one of a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are in a non-contact state in a thrust direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Publication number: 20090153359Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly that is mountable at an exterior side of a vehicle and has an inboard portion that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted at the exterior side of the vehicle. A blind spot indicator is disposed at the inboard portion of the mirror casing of the mirror assembly. The blind spot indicator comprises at least one illumination source for indicating to the driver a detected presence of an object alongside of and/or rearward of the vehicle. The indicator may comprise a unitary indicator module that is mountable at the inboard portion of the mirror assembly. The indicator module includes an illumination source and circuitry and is connectable to an electrical connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Niall R. Lynam, James A. Ruse, Craig Kendall
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Patent number: 7543949Abstract: A hinge actuator comprising a first part which is pivotably connected with a second part, and an electric drive for pivoting the parts relative to each other. The first and the second parts include stops that cooperate in a first pivoting direction for defining a position of the actuator parts. A coupling is provided between the first and the second part, so that in a first position the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and, driven by the drive, can be pivoted relative to each other, and a second position in which the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirros Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Albertus van den Brink, Milan Duchenne, Peter Alexander Hamming
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Patent number: 7533997Abstract: A fixing member is separate from a bearing member, and suppresses a radial force acting on a gear that meshes with a final-stage gear of a rotation-force transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational force to a mirror assembly of an outside mirror device for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7530700Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Publication number: 20090097144Abstract: A fast steering mirror that houses all of the electronics needed to operate the mirror in the mirror, more particular, its base assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: SEO PRECISION, INC.Inventors: Shawn L. Oehlke, Corrie Nygaard
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Patent number: 7517099Abstract: A blind spot safety system includes a side view mirror assembly. The side view mirror assembly includes a mirror housing attached to an automobile, a power supply, an adjustment motor, a mirror adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable mirror. A blind spot mirror track is incorporated into the mirror housing. The track's distal end is co-located with the blind spot mirror port. The blind spot mirror is slidingly attached inside the track. The blind spot motor and linkage assembly are attached to the mirror housing, the blind spot mirror and power supply. A signaling circuit is attached to the power supply and the blind spot motor, and it relays signals from the automobile computer, directing the blind spot mirror to extend or retract. A defroster prevents freezing and a proximity detector monitors blind spots and directs the operation of hazard indicators attached to the side view mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Arthur Andre Hannah
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Patent number: 7497580Abstract: A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 7490944Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a casing having a reflective element, a compass sensor and a control. The compass sensor is disposed within the mirror casing and has a first magnetoresponsive sensing element and a second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control receives a first signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the first magnetoresponsive sensing element and a second signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control determines that the casing is adjusted by an occupant of the vehicle in response to a change in the first and second signals being indicative of an abrupt movement of the casing about the mounting structure by an occupant of the vehicle. The control is operable to enter a rapid compensating mode to compensate for the mirror adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Rodney K. Blank, Kenneth Schierbeek, Niall R. Lynam