With Switch Or Motor Controlling Mirror Movement Patents (Class 359/877)
  • Publication number: 20090040638
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an actuator for positioning of mirrors in an optical system is provided and includes an actuator base and a reaction mass assembly. The reaction mass assembly includes a reaction mass support member having biasing features formed as a part thereof and a reaction mass that is coupled to the biasing features such that the reaction mass is suspended on biasing elements in six degrees of freedom (DOF). The support member is fixedly connected to the actuator base; however, the reaction mass is not directly attached to the actuator base but rather is supported in the reaction mass support member in a manner that allows it to have six DOF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Frans H. van Deuren, Hendrick Dirk Visser, Bernard Stommen, Jeroen van Aert, Aart Johannes Mateboer
  • Publication number: 20090040637
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20090040639
    Abstract: In a vehicle outside mirror device, a clutch gear has a first guide portion that is formed in an inner position with respect to an outer circumference of the clutch gear and a clutch holder has a second guide portion that is formed in an inner position with respect to an outer circumference of the clutch holder. The clutch gear and the clutch holder relatively move in a direction of an axis of a shaft, to which the clutch gear is rotatably attached and to which the clutch holder is attached so as not to be rotatable, by guiding along the first guide portion and the second guide portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroyasu ONUKI
  • Patent number: 7488081
    Abstract: A retracting mechanism, which rotates a mirror for viewing a region substantially to a rear of the vehicle, has a motor, a cover which accommodates another end side of the motor, and a case main body which accommodates one end side of the motor and is rotatably supported at a vehicle body. In the retracting mechanism, the case main body and the cover are positioned due to a first fit-together portion, which is provided at a hanging-down wall of the cover, and a second fit-together portion, which is provided at a standing wall of the case main body, fitting-together with one another. The first fit-together portion and the second fit-together portion are both formed in shapes which are concentric with a rotating shaft. Accordingly, accuracy of positioning the case main body and the cover can be ensured to be good with the rotating shaft as a reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Isao Sumi
  • Publication number: 20090021034
    Abstract: A device to adjust the orientation of a mirror of a motorcar includes a body to accommodate a first and a second electric motor and a first and a second gear driven by first and second motor respectively. Gear rods are formed as circular arc sections and the body accommodates means to resiliently press the first and second gear rod against the first and second gears, respectively, eliminating relative movement between the gearing of the gear rods and the gears in operation conditions. Each of the gears include a safety clutch, allowing the gears to slip in overload conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l
    Inventors: Juergen Tilg, Daniel Joseph Flynn
  • Publication number: 20080297929
    Abstract: A device for a vehicle including a support, a control on the support, the control actuatable by a user to control movement of a rear-view mirror, and a selector on the support, the selector being actuatable by the user to select between: a first mode of controlling the rear-view mirror whereby the movement of the rear-view mirror is controlled by the control, or a second mode of controlling the rear-view mirror whereby the movement of the rear-view mirror is controlled by another mechanism not located on the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bertrand Reyss, Jean-Jacques Rykaert
  • Patent number: 7445190
    Abstract: A mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror housing including an actuator housing and a drive mechanism arranged in the actuator housing. The drive mechanism includes an electric motor including an output shaft; a drive train having an input part coupled to the output shaft; and an output part coupled to a driven part. The driven part is connected to an electrical circuit and is configured to be movable under a spring action relative to the actuator housing. The driving part controls the electric motor and includes a first contact part that cooperates with a second contact part fixedly arranged relative to the actuator housing. The driving part is movable between a first position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a first value, and a second position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20080266688
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: FICO MIRRORS, SA
    Inventors: Jorge Errando Smet, Santiago Miguel Sanz, Angel Perez Trujillo
  • Patent number: 7441910
    Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7441912
    Abstract: An outside mirror device for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly that is rotatably attached to a body of the vehicle through an electric retracting unit and a base. The electric retracting unit includes bearing portions at both ends of a first stage gear of a rotational force transmitting mechanism. The bearing portions are supported by bearing holes in the bearing member as a single member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
  • Publication number: 20080247070
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ikuo SAKATA
  • Patent number: 7427141
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror unit for a vehicle, which includes a mirror case (10) having a receiving space formed therein; a pivoting bracket (20) axially coupled to an inside of the mirror case (10); a first operating unit (30) installed to a predetermined position in the mirror case (10) to rotate the pivoting bracket (20) as much as 180 degrees by one touch; and front and rear mirrors (40)(45) systematically attached and detached freely to/from both sides of the pivoting bracket (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Kim, Jong-Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 7427142
    Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror includes a drive unit that generates a driving force, a plate that holds the drive unit, a drive gear that transmits the driving force from the drive unit, a gearcase having a housing for the drive gear, a fixing unit that fixes the plate and the gearcase in an integrated manner, and a lubricant blocking structure formed between the housing and the fixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
  • Publication number: 20080218888
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror device includes a base unit configured to be fixed to a vehicle, a body unit that includes a mirror and is rotatably attached to the base unit, and a driving unit that drives the body unit to rotate with respect to the base unit. The driving unit includes a motor that drives the body unit to rotate, a current detecting circuit that detects current fluctuation due to rotation of the motor, and a switching circuit that switches ON or OFF current supply to the motor. While current fluctuation is detected, the switching circuit keeps current supply to the motor ON. While no current fluctuation is detected, the switching circuit switches OFF current supply to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Yuji Sho, Takashi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7408694
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, an angularly adjustable power pack, wires for supplying power and mirror angle control, an electrochromic mirror subassembly including a heater, and a turn signal device. The components include individual connectors that plug into a multi-prong connector on the bundle of wires, or that piggyback into each other. Optionally, the heater incorporates an internal wire with end connectors for communicating power to opposite sides of the heater, and also includes layers of light-transmitting/diffusing material for diffusing light passing from the turn signal device through the diffusing material. A printed circuit board fits into a pocket in the panel-shaped carrier, and an integral retainer releasably secures the printed circuit board. The power pack is attached to the carrier via a ring of resilient fingers, and a continuous hoop flange prevents distortion of the carrier and in turn of the glass elements in the mirror subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Bradley L. Northman, Kenton J. Ypma, Randall J. Beute, John K. Roberts, Wayne M. Jordan, Edward L. DeNave, Daniel J. Bostwick, Randall S. Braun, Gregory A. Bosch, Timothy A. Bonardi
  • Patent number: 7404648
    Abstract: A concealable mirror comprises motor housing 110, motor 111, motor shaft 112, pivot arm 131, link arm 140, frame 210, hinge 212, cover deck 220, mirror frame 301, mirror 310, remote control device 400, and clevis assembly 502.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Robert F. Schwarz, Ben Schellhaas
  • Patent number: 7406246
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an optical element of an optical actuator. The optical actuator moves a guide between a retracted and an extended position relative to an actuator body. The actuator body has a channel, or through-opening, in which the mirror guide moves. In one embodiment, the channel has a two flat surfaces that form a portion of a v-groove in the channel. In the extended position, the guide contacts a stop pin, or stopper, and the two flat surfaces in the through-opening, thereby holding the guide in a position defined by the line of contact between the stop pin and an angled surface of the guide and a pair of parallel contact lines where the guide contacts the two flat surfaces in the through-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Neptec Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John Carberry
  • Patent number: 7399096
    Abstract: An enhanced optical delay line device for providing multiple degree of freedom active control, including first and second actively-controlled mirrors, each of the actively-controlled mirrors having two rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom. The first actively-controlled mirror is mounted substantially orthogonally to the second actively-controlled mirror. The system also includes a closed-loop control system, the control system providing six mechanical degrees of freedom of active control for the enhanced optical delay line device by controlling the first and second actively-controlled mirrors based upon a command input and mirror position signals. The present invention is smaller than conventional optical delay line devices, has better performance, and eliminates the need for one of the FSMs, bringing the total number of mechanisms down to two from three.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Lorell, Scott Miller, Jean-Noel Aubrun, Mark Wolfson
  • Publication number: 20080158701
    Abstract: An enclosed mechanism having a motor driven mirror assembly 42 that when mounted in positions 104 or 105 on a vehicle 106, extends and pivots to a position (see FIG. 4), that allows the vehicle's driver to have an unencumbered field of vision 103 using a high quality mirror 50. Also included with this mechanism is a control module FIG. 6A that is wired into the vehicle's electrical system FIG. 6B, allowing the mechanism to work automatically during vehicle operation or can be operated manually for cleaning and maintenance. Guiding the moving parts are 21, 41, and 42, are integral guides 51 and 52 which are incorporated into an internal mounting plate 13 and in the front enclosure 11. Also, during this movement, a torsion spring 25 is the force that used for pivoting as a cam follower 30 that follows the inside wall of the front enclosures 11, that is designed to act as the cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: William Joseph Hanks
  • Patent number: 7374303
    Abstract: The present abstract refers to a patent for utility model covering an actuating mechanism belonging to the field of the components of outer rear-view mirrors, which received the arrangement to provide a better usage and manufacturing conditions, an arrangement being of the type comprising: a pair of electric micro-engines (10) provided with endless axes (11); a pair of annular gears (20) coupled with the respective endless axes; two elastic grips (30) incorporated into the gears; two threaded actuating pins (40), which pass through and remain coupled with the grips; a casing (50)-(60), which houses the engine and gear assembly, and the ends of the actuating pins projecting outwards; a middle articulation assembly (70), whose first portion is incorporated into the body (50) of the casing; a plate (80) for supporting the mirror bracket (1) whose rear face features a pair of grooves (81), with which the ends of the actuating pins (40) are articulately coupled; said supporting plate (80) being further provided wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Metagal Industria E Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Affonso Roberto Sestokas
  • Patent number: 7370985
    Abstract: A motorized tilt actuator assembly comprises one or more threaded jack screws attached to a mirror glass case and traveling along one or more threaded actuator shafts with rotation of the motor. When a jack screw reaches its limit of travel, relative movement between the actuator shaft and the glass case can occur through a slip clutch mechanism during such time as the motor continues to operate. In one embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by a spherical actuator head rotating in a compressively spring-biased socket. In another embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by slippage along a friction surface interposed between the actuator shaft and the motor. Manual repositioning of the mirror can be accommodated by slippage of the jack screw threads past the actuator shaft threads, or by a coarse threaded interconnection of the jack screw and the actuator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7370984
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7360908
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror for a vehicle has a housing pivotally mounted on a base for angular movement about a first pivot axis and an electric motor for causing such movement. A controller operates the motor at either of two different speeds. The controller includes a counter for counting the number of revolutions of the output shaft of the motor so as to determining the angle through which the housing has been moved, thus enabling the housing to be restored to its original position by causing the motor to perform the same number of revolutions in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
  • Publication number: 20080088960
    Abstract: A system of a side mirror of a vehicle includes: a driving motor which is driven by input electric power and supplies a driving force for rotating the side mirror from a folding position to an unfolding position or rotating the side mirror from the unfolding position to the folding position; a switch selecting unfolding or folding of the side mirror; an electric power source supplying electric power to the driving motor; and a mirror driving unit supplying electric power to the driving motor from the electric power source according to a signal of the switch, and performing a blocking cancellation operation of reversing a rotation direction of the side mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Young Seok Sim
  • Patent number: 7354166
    Abstract: Observing an object within a visual blind spot of a motor vehicle includes using a mirror with at least one motor mechanically coupled thereto. Preferably, a position of the side view mirror can be adjusted by the at least one motor. An object detector detects objects within a visual blind spot of a vehicle. The object detector is operable to provide a detection signal to the at least one motor to adjust a position of the mirror to provide a view of the blind spot to a driver of the vehicle. The view can be toggled between normal viewing and blind spot viewing depending on the detection signal. The view can also be adjusted to track the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Qualich, Michael J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7350931
    Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7346282
    Abstract: An optical-space transmission apparatus for use in communication by using light propagating in a space includes a light-receiving unit, an optical system including a movable mirror and introducing light incident thereon to the light receiving unit with the movable mirror, a controller controlling drive of the movable mirror, and a detecting unit detecting an intensity of the light received in the light-receiving unit. The controller modifies a control characteristic of the movable mirror in accordance with a change in the received-light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Sakanaka, Masatoshi Otsubo
  • Publication number: 20080055758
    Abstract: A mirror apparatus for use in a vehicle includes a base member that is used for fixing to the vehicle and a main member that is pivotably attached to the base member. The main member includes a mirror, a motor that performs pivoting of the main member with respect to the base member, and a voltage regulating unit that regulates a voltage received from an outside power supply to a constant voltage, and supplies the constant voltage to the motor to drive the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Yuji Sho, Takashi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20080049344
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Keith D. Foote
  • Publication number: 20080049343
    Abstract: A housing supporting a reflective mirrored element and having an internal support structure. A stationary mounting rod passing through the internal support structure and extending from the housing for attachment to a vehicle support arm. The housing and internal support structure rotate about the mounting rod. A stabilizing unit interconnecting the mounting rod and the internal support structure for resisting rotation of the housing around the mounting rod. The stabilizing unit includes a bushing fixed to the mounting rod engaging a bearing surface of the internal support structure in a sliding friction arrangement, and a clamping member biasing the bushing against the bearing surface to impart a clamping force between the bushing and the bearing surface, so that rotation of the internal support structure about the mounting rod is resisted to reduce mirror shaking caused by vibrations and loose connections between the mounting rod and the internal support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Dean Branham
  • Patent number: 7325936
    Abstract: A rearview correcting/controlling system for a vehicle includes: a rearview obtaining device for providing a rearview to an occupant on a driver's seat; a drive device for driving the rearview obtaining device to change a view angle of the rearview provided by the rearview obtaining device; and a control device for controlling the operation of the drive device. The control device controls the operation of the drive device to vertically change the view angle of the rearview obtaining device based on a value detected by a forward/rearward inclination detecting device. Thus, even when the forward/rearward inclination of the vehicle occurs, a rearview at an optimal view angle can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Tomoyuki Kukita
  • Patent number: 7322710
    Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kris D. Brown, Kenneth C. Peterson, James A. Ruse
  • Patent number: 7320527
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises: a mirror surface; an actuator 100 which tilts the mirror surface; a plate pivot 110, which changes its direction together with the mirror surface; a spring 112, which applies a resilient force to the plate pivot 110 in the direction substantially vertical to the mirror surface; a guide spring 114 which is fitted to the end of the spring 112 at the side far from the interlocking member; a semiconductor pressure sensor 116, which is in contact with the guide spring at substantially one point so as to detect a load loaded on the one point from the pressing member; and a signal outputting portion which outputs a signal depending upon the tilted angle of the mirror surface based on the force detected by the semiconductor pressure sensor 116.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Ayako Yamada, Hidenori Sato
  • Patent number: 7318649
    Abstract: An outer-rearview-mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprises an electrical switching device with a number of positions, which controls electrical supply of a plurality of shape-memory wires that control oscillation of the reflecting plate of the mirror. The electrical switching device has a single control lever with a number of positions projecting from a support, which, in the mounted condition of the mirror, is in a position coinciding with that of the base of the mirror, on the inside of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Alessandro Zanella
  • Patent number: 7311408
    Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror structure is provided. The rear view mirror structure comprises a flexible body and an adjusting apparatus wherein the body has a reflective surface and an inner surface. The adjusting apparatus is disposed at a rear portion of the body and is utilized to drive the inner surface of the body. Thus, the reflective surface of the body can form a particular curvature whereby the rear view mirror structure can offer a wider viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Kun-Ta Lee
  • Patent number: 7303294
    Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a support arm pivotally connected to a base assembly attached to the vehicle. The pivot connection comprises an assembly of rotating plates separated by ball bearings and operated by a powerfold assembly. During normal operation of the mirror system, the ball bearings remained seated in bearing seats to enable the plates to rotate as a single unit when the powerfold assembly is actuated. However, manual folding or unfolding of the mirror system urges the ball bearings out of their bearing seats to travel along a raceway in one of the plates to facilitate the rotation of the plates relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Kris D. Brown
  • Patent number: 7303295
    Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly including a housing and a mirror frame mounted in the housing. A pivot base sub-assembly is rotatably mounted in the housing and in mechanical communication with the mirror frame. A stored energy device is fixed to the housing and coupled to the pivot base sub-assembly. A control knob is in communication with the pivot base sub-assembly and adapted to control a scanning position of the mirror frame. The rear view mirror assembly could include a stationary base portion attached to a vehicle door and a mirror housing pivotable with respect to the stationary base portion, such that the mirror housing can be pivoted to view a desired portion of the rear view spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Irving D. Press
  • Patent number: 7293887
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror system comprises an exterior mirror assembly and an electronic control system. The exterior mirror assembly has a fixed support adapted to be mounted to the side of the vehicle and has a mirror housing supported by a support arm and movable along the support arm from a first position proximate to the fixed support to a second position proximate to a distal end of the support arm. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a first electrically powered mechanism for pivoting the support arm about the fixed support, a second electrically powered mechanism for moving the mirror housing along the support arm and a third electrically powered mechanism operable to adjust a mirror unit of the mirror housing to a desired adjusted position. The electronic control system is operable by the driver of the vehicle to control operation of at least the first electrically powered mechanism independent of operation of the second electrically powered mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventor: Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7290890
    Abstract: A retracting mechanism for storing or erecting a mirror includes, at a coupled portion of an output shaft of a drive motor and a worm gear, coupling retaining portions fitted together in a press-fitted state and rotational force transmitting portions opposing each other in a state where a predetermined gap is present between them. The coupling retaining portions are configured by a circular shaft portion and a circular fitting hole, and the rotational force transmitting portions are configured by a double D-cut portion and double D-protruding portions. The rotational force of the output shaft is transmitted by the rotational force transmitting portions, and the coupled state of the output shaft and the worm gear is retained on the same axial line and the slanting of the worm gear is prevented by the coupling retaining portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Yoshio Tsujiuchi
  • Patent number: 7287867
    Abstract: A power telescoping vehicle mirror assembly (10) comprising a bracket (12) mountable to a vehicle, a mirror head (15), telescopically mounted to the bracket (12), a mirror (16) mounted to the head (15), a power telescope motor mechanism (30) for telescopically moving the head (15) with respect to the bracket (12), a position controller for controlling the extent to which the mirror head (15) extends with respect to the vehicle, a switch operable by a driver of the vehicle, the switch providing a signal to the position controller, and an input means for providing the position controller with a set point, wherein upon actuation of the switch, the head (15) telescopically moves with respect to the bracket (12) from a retracted position to a partially extended position determined by the set point. In an other embodiment, a spotter mirror, and a spotter mirror motor mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the spotter mirror with respect to the mirror head is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Kingsley Wellington, James Nicholas Dickson
  • Patent number: 7282881
    Abstract: A circuit and method of reducing the occurrence of overheating of a power fold vehicle mirror. The circuit controls the operation of the power fold mirror such that when a portion of the circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the vehicle mirror is prevented from at least folding in. In practice, the vehicle mirror will be allowed to fold out even when the predetermined temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded, to allow the vehicle door to be opened and the car to be driven. The vehicle mirror may be allowed to be folded in when the temperature of the circuit falls to or below a second predetermined temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Kay
  • Patent number: 7270433
    Abstract: A mirror switch assembly that may be incorporated with a mirror unit for tilting a mirror. A set of contacts rotates when the mirror unit is rotated between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The set of contacts is electrically coupled to two motors and to a set of terminals. The set of terminals is electrically coupled to at least one mirror adjustment switch that is located in the interior of the vehicle. When the set of contacts rotate, the connections between the terminals and the motors are reconfigured to compensate for a change in orientation of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Daniel J. Danek, Robert L. Spike
  • Patent number: 7270430
    Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7270429
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior vehicle mirror having a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle. A drive assembly comprises a drive screw coupled to a motor and a drive nut threadably mounted on the drive screw. The rotation of the drive screw by the motor causes the drive nut to traverse the drive screw. As the drive nut traverses the drive screw, it causes the extension and retraction of the mirror assembly. A slip clutch is interposed between the motor and the drive screw to enable the motor to continue to operate without damage if the mirror assembly reaches full extension or retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7270432
    Abstract: A mirror (18) having a specular surface changeable in orientation using an actuator (16) is provided with an angle detection capability at reduced cost. A plate pivot (10) can change its orientation together with the specular surface so as to orient in a direction in which the specular surface is orienting. A slide block (20) is stressed toward the plate pivot (10) so that rotation of the plate pivot (10) causes the slide block (20) to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the specular surface by an amount proportional to an amount of the rotation of the plate pivot (10). A magnet (26) moves in the direction of movement of the slide block (20) by an amount proportional to an amount of the movement of the slide block (20), and a magnetism sensing element (202) detects magnetism derived from the magnet (26) and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of movement of the magnet (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Ayako Yamada, Hidenori Sato
  • Patent number: 7267449
    Abstract: An external rearview mirror assembly comprises an arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms rigidly attached to a pivot tube which connects the arm assembly to a base. The pivot tube is held to the base in a cradle which is securely holds the arm assembly to the base while enabling the arm assembly to pivot relative to the base. A motorized powerfold mechanism is used to fold the reflective element assembly against the vehicle, and a motorized powerextend mechanism is used to adjust the position of the reflective element assembly outwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7261428
    Abstract: A vehicular mirror assembly comprises a base, a mirror housing, and an actuator. The mirror housing has a reflective element therein, and is coupled with the base for at least a normal path of movement between a retracted position where the mirror housing is adjacent the base and an extended position where the mirror housing is distal to the base. The actuator is operatively mounted between the base and the mirror housing for selectively moving the mirror housing with respect to the base through the normal path of movement. The actuator comprises a motor having a rotatable motor shaft, a gear assembly coupled with the motor shaft and rotatable with rotation of the motor shaft, and a rotatable drive shaft coupled with the gear assembly and the mirror housing for moving the mirror housing through the normal path of movement with rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7257286
    Abstract: A dual comb electrode structure with spacing for increasing a driving angle of a micro mirror provided by MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical system) structure and a microscanner adopting the same are provided. The dual comb electrode structure includes: a mirror unit for reflecting light; a plurality of movable comb electrodes protruded in both sides of the mirror unit; and a plurality of upper and lower static comb electrodes formed above and below the movable comb electrode so as to be alternated with the plurality of movable comb electrodes formed in both sides of the mirror unit, wherein a spacing between the upper static comb electrode and the movable comb electrode is different from a spacing between the lower static comb electrode and the movable comb electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-chul Ko, Jin-woo Cho, Hyun-ku Jeong
  • Patent number: 7237913
    Abstract: A side view mirror including a multiplexor chip, NTC thermistor within the housing. The multiplexor controls multiple functionality from the housing and provides simplified LIN bus connection to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems France S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
  • Patent number: 7237916
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for preventing a half mirror used as a decorative panel of an electronic device from being burned by charged static electricity and having deteriorated appearance, by providing a practical method for providing a ground connection of the half mirror using a soft elastic conductive member to prevent the half mirror from being damaged and to enable easy connection with a rough size accuracy. An electronic device comprises a conductive chassis and a half mirror constituting at least a portion of a decorative panel formed on a front face thereof, wherein an elastic conductive member compressed between a vapor deposited layer formed to an inner surface of the half mirror and a contact surface of the chassis is arranged so that a static electricity charged in the half mirror is conducted via the elastic conductive member toward the conductive chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Orion Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Mitomori