Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed for reducing the glare that is present in side view mirrors at night from headlights from other vehicles. The apparatus comprises a standard side view mirror that has an extra layer, with the extra layer being either a layer of tinted glass or smoked glass. The layer of tinted glass or smoked glass would be located on the outside of the standard rear view mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior mirror actuator includes an actuator case, at least two electric motors, and a wire harness. The wire harness includes a connector and a plurality of wires terminated at the connector. The connector includes at least three electrical terminals electrically interconnected with the wires. When the connector is joined with the actuator case, one of the terminals of the connector makes direct contact with one of the terminals of one of the motors and a second of the connector terminals makes direct contact with the corresponding terminal of the other motor. The third connector terminal makes electrical contact with the other two corresponding terminals of the motors to provide a common electrical path for the other two corresponding terminals.

Abstract: A first power mechanism is provided in association with a fixed support and with a swingable structure, and pivots the swingable structure relative to the fixed support between an extended position and a folded position adjacent the vehicle. A second power mechanism is operatively associated with a swingable structure and a mirror housing to move the mirror housing between inner and outer extended positions. A third mechanism moves the mirror unit into desired adjusted position about horizontal and vertical axes. An electronic control controls the operation of the first power mechanism, the second power mechanism and third power mechanism to control the powered pivoting of swingable structure.

Abstract: An electrically retractable outer mirror for a vehicle includes a mirror housing and a mirror accommodated in the mirror housing. Angle of the mirror is adjustable relative to a vehicle body. The angle of the mirror in an upward/downward direction is adjusted through an actuator arranged in the mirror housing, and an angle of the mirror in a rightward/leftward direction is adjusted by a rotating movement of the mirror housing around an axis substantially extending along a vertical direction.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system comprises a spotter mirror for providing an image of an object in a vehicle's blind zone to the vehicle's operator. A recognition enhancement device is provided with the spotter mirror for drawing the attention of the driver to the spotter mirror when an overtaking vehicle enters the driver's blind zone. The signaling display is activated by a sensing system which senses the presence of the overtaking vehicle in the blind zone. An electrochromic element is incorporated into the spotter mirror to reduce the intensity of light transmitted from the object and reflected from the spotter mirror. Activation of the electrochromic element to darken the spotter mirror will induce the operator to observe the object in the spotter mirror.

Abstract: A micromirror (5), a micro-oscillating mirror in particular, having an at least largely cantilevered mirror surface (10) which may be displaced from the rest position about at least one torsional axis (17) is described. The mirror surface (10) is linked to at least one support body (11, 12) by at least two torsion beams (13, 13′), which are arranged at least approximately parallel to each other. Also described is the displacement of the micrometer from its rest position by an electrostatic or magnetic interaction.

Abstract: An automobile exterior rearview mirror system in which adjustments by the vehicle operator to the driver side mirror are used to make automatic adjustments to the passenger side mirror without requiring the operator to make separate, independent adjustment of that mirror. The automatic adjustment is determined using the measured horizontal angle of the driver side mirror along with distance data related to the position of an inboard edge of each of the exterior mirrors.

Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a first helical gear and a second worm gear are rotated integrally by a first worm gear. In this way, the second worm gear is rotated around a second helical gear, and a mirror is retracted or extended. The first helical gear and the second worm gear can tilt. Rotating central shafts thereof are supported at both ends by first bearings and second bearings, respectively. Even if load is applied from the first worm gear or the second helical gear to the first helical gear or the second worm gear, it is possible to suppress integral tilting of the first helical gear and the second worm gear. Accordingly, when the mirror is retracted and when the mirror is extended, it is possible to suppress a change in a sound of operation and to make the sound of operation uniform.

Abstract: First and second reciprocable members are arranged between a motor and a mirror and are selectively reciprocated by rotational force conducted from the motor to tilt the mirror. When the motor is rotated in a first rotational direction, the second reciprocable member is held stationary, and the first reciprocable member is reciprocated to tilt the mirror in a vertical direction. When the motor is rotated in a second rotational direction, which is opposite from the first rotational direction of the motor, the first reciprocable member is held stationary, and the second reciprocable member is reciprocated to tilt the mirror in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system suitable for use with a vehicle control, the vehicle control generating an output having a particular protocol representing a state of the output. The vehicle rearview mirror system includes a variable reflective element which assumes a partial reflectance level in response to a drive signal. The rearview mirror system further includes a mirror control that is responsive to the output of the vehicle control for generating at least one mirror control output. The at least one mirror control output includes a value for the drive signal. The mirror control determines the protocol of the output of the vehicle control including monitoring the output of the vehicle control in attempting to conclude a state of the output of the vehicle control.

Abstract: This invention is a pivot assembly 10 that connects mirror head 11 and a mirror mounting bracket 12 of a rear vision mirror that comprises a spigot 17, a plate 14 with an aperture 26 that is journalled to the spigot 17. A detent is located between the plate 14 and the spigot 17 which holds these components together to in turn hold the mirror head 11 in at least one required position with respect to the mirror mounting bracket 12. The detent changes from a locked position where the plate 14 is held with respect to the spigot 17 to a disengaged position when the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. A spring 40 acts against the detent to hold it in its locked position. The spring 40 yields to allow the detent to move to its disengaged position as the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. An attachment mechanism is provided both on the spigot 17 and the plate 14 that allows the spigot 17 to be secured to either one of the mirror head 11 or mirror mounting bracket 12.

Abstract: A device 21 comprises a movable structure 44 having a first movable portion 70 hinged to frame portion 60 by a first pair of hinges 81, 82 spaced apart along a first axis 91. The first movable portion 70 has an edge 140 that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially parallel with and immediately adjacent to an edge 132 of the frame portion 60, such that a tolerance space 120 defined therebetween. At least one projection 122 extends from one or both of the edges 132 and/or 140. The projection 122 is adapted to limit translational motion of the first movable portion 70 relative to the frame portion 60 within the plane. The device 21 motion between the first movable portion 80 and a second pivot axis 112 with translational motion between the first movable portion 70 and the second movable portion 80 limited by a similar projection.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a mirror head (30) adapted to support a mirror, the mirror head (30) having an external shell (36), a first foam core (37) providing support for the shell (36), a mirror base (20) adapted for mounting to a vehicle, the mirror base (20) connected to the mirror head (30) or integral with the mirror head (30) and a plurality of electrical conductors (32) disposed within the first foam core (37), the conductors (32) are arranged and constructed to diffuse stress within the foam core (37).

Abstract: An adjustment device used for electric power mirrors comprising a motor to rotate a worm wheel, an adjustment nut that can slide along the direction of the rotational axis but cannot relatively rotate against the rotation of worm wheel, and an actuator housing that has a column on which surface a screw portion is made, wherein the adjustment nut is movable along the direction normal to a plane of screw rotation of said screw portion, and the adjustment nut has a salient extending to the outer direction at the leg portion thereof and the worm wheel has stopper portion that bumps the salient of the adjustment nut so that the adjustment nut is not pulled off from the actuator housing. Therefore the mirror exchanging service can be easily done.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards shock protectors for a pedestal suspended over a lower surface by a plurality of gimbal springs. Each gimbal spring is connected to a linkage arm that attaches to an actuator. A stop located below the bottom of the pedestal prevents the gimbal springs and/or other structures from impacting the lower surface. In addition, the stop prevents excessively high strain in the gimbal springs. A shock absorber extending from at least one linkage arm serves a similar purpose when the pedestal is tilted, rather than simply displaced.

Abstract: The improved actuator for rear-view mirrors includes a single drag mechanism and a blocking mechanism. The drag mechanism comprises a linear cylinder and a stop disposed next to the free end of the body of said linear cylinder. The blocking mechanism has matching first and second blocking elements, wherein at least one of said elements is integral with the drag mechanism.

Abstract: An actuator for tilting a moveable object such as a mirror includes a base and a coil-object assembly that includes first and second pairs of coils each of which is attached to the object, the first pair of coils being arranged along a longitudinal axis, and the second pair of coils being arranged along a transverse axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A gimbal has an attachment section attached to the object, and mounting sections connected via a plurality of beams to the attachment section, the mounting sections being attached to the base. A permanent magnet is positioned adjacent a corresponding one of each of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a rotational force is generated that causes the coil-object assembly to rotate about an axis. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: This invention provides a reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The second reflective element is angled downwardly and forwardly with respect to the first reflective element when the mirror assembly is mounted to a side of an automobile to provide an increased field of view. In one form, both reflective elements are commonly supported on a bezel, which is mounted to the mirror assembly casing. In another form, the reflective elements are separately mounted, with the second reflective element fixedly mounted to the casing and the first reflective element movably supported in the mirror casing, for example, on an actuator.

Abstract: A lateral-view mirror assembly capable of providing a driver of a vehicle with the ability to view objects positioned lateral to a rear portion of the vehicle by looking at a reflection of the objects reflected from lateral-view mirrors to a rear-view mirror to the driver. The two lateral-view mirrors are placed apart on a rear portion of a vehicle, with a first lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a driver's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle and a second lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a passenger's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror housing, a base, and a unit bracket are formed as separate components. As a result, the mirror housing and the base can be painted with different colors.

Abstract: An interconnect bus for a microelectromechanical system is disclosed. Various attributes for an electrical trace bus that facilitate the routing of signals throughout at least a portion of the system and/or the layout of the microelectromechanical system on a wafer are disclosed.

Abstract: An angle detection unit is provided with a pair of arms (temporary fixing mechanism) for temporarily fixing the angle detection unit to a power unit. The arms are fit to a cylinder portion (engagement portion) of the power unit in a manner of holding the cylinder portion. Thus, a mirror drive unit can be easily combined to a mirror housing without increasing the number of parts.

Abstract: In an all optical switch an imaging system is interposed between the micro lens array and the moveable micro mirrors of a MEMS device to which, or from which, the light beams are directed. This causes an image of the micro lens array to be formed at the MEMS device, or vice-versa, thus effectively eliminating the distance between the micro lens array and the MEMS device. The imaging system may be a telecentric system. The size of the arrangement may be reduced by compacting the optical path, e.g., using appropriate conventional mirrors, and/or employing folded arrangements, i.e., arrangements in which there is only one MEMS device stage that does double duty for both input and output through the use of at least one conventional mirror. The overall system is arranged to account for any inversions introduced.

Abstract: A combination magnetic pick up tool and inspection mirror includes a telescoping handle with a connection fixture to a magnetic pick up element. A separable mirror assembly may be attached to the magnetic pick up element. The tool thus may include a mirror assembly or a magnetic pick up element at the top section or distal end of the tool and may be easily converted from an inspection mirror to a pick up tool.

Abstract: An optical switch for redirecting an optical signal includes a plurality of spaced-apart mirrors disposed in an array for detecting and reflecting one or more optical signals. The mirrors include a reflective member and a sensor. Desirably, the optical signal is detected by the sensor and used for triggering drive means for orientating the mirrors in the array for redirecting the optical signal.

Abstract: A reverse input blocking clutch comprises, as main elements, an input member, an output member, a stationary member for constraining the revolutions, locking device, lock release device and torque transmission device. By forming the input member, the output member, the stationary member and a fixed side plate from metal plates such as press worked steel plates, a compact, lightweight and low cost reverse input blocking clutch is provided. Reverse input torque from the output member is locked in both the forward and reverse rotational directions relative to the stationary member, by rollers which function as the locking device. Input torque from the input member in both the forward and reverse rotational directions is transmitted to the output member via apertures 1d and protrusions which function as the torque transmission device.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes an electro-optic reflective element, an ambient light sensor that is operable to sense ambient light, a glare light sensor that is operable to sense glare light and a circuit that is responsive to the ambient glare light sensors which establishes a reflectance level of the reflective element. The circuit includes a sensor-responsive device and a controller. The sensor-responsive device produces an output that is a function of light sensed by glare and ambient light sensors. The controller connects one of the glare and ambient light sensors at a time with the sensor-responsive device to establish glare and ambient light levels and thereby the reflectance level of the reflective element. The mirror system may include a display operable to project light through the reflective element and may control the intensity of the display as a function of the glare light and ambient light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoothly operating tilting device (11), in particular, for the support plate (12) of a motor-adjustable motor vehicle exterior mirror, whereby the plate (12) has an articulating joint to a housing (13), for a rigid mounting. A drive motor (17) is provided, for each of the both, orthogonal to each other (although arrangeable in any relative spatial disposition) tilting directions, which are connected to, at least in parts, flexible positioning rods (18). The above run in an arched guide (22) and are turned from the plane parallel to the plate (12) in to the transverse direction, in order to bridge the mounting gap and connect with an articulated joint to the face of the back side, or the interior of the plate (12), for the transfer of pushing or pulling movements.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: A pivot portion is press-fitted to the inside hollow portion of a pivot receiver, thereby the pivot receiver wraps the pivot portion from outside. A spring member is also fitted to the outside on one end side of the pivot receiver, thereby the pivot receiver fastens the pivot portion from outside. As a result, the outer face of the pivot portion and the inner face of the hollow portion of the pivot receiver are abutted on each other securely all the time, thereby the mirror unit is held always stably with respect to the holding member. As a result, the mirror face can be held reliably at a predetermined tilted position all the time.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior mirror assembly includes an actuator having a case and at least two electric motors supported by a case and connected with the reflective element to provide adjustment to the reflective element with respect to at least two axes. A wiring harness is provided having a connector and a plurality of wires terminated at the connector. The connector includes at least three electrical connector terminals electrically interconnected with the wires. When the connector joins with the actuator case, the connector terminals make direct contact with corresponding receiving terminals of the electric motors. The connector preferably includes a body that is made up of two body portions that are integrally molded defining a living hinge and then folded into facing relationship thereby capturing a portion of each terminal. Complimentary retention members on the connector and actuator case retain the connector with the actuator case external of the case.

Abstract: An adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle for allowing the driver of the vehicle to keep watch on a child seated in the rear seat behind the driver. The adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle includes a clamping assembly being adapted to securely clamp to a child's car seat or inside of a passenger compartment of a vehicle; and also includes a mirror and sound support assembly including an elongate support member having a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the clamping assembly; and further includes a mirror and sound assembly being adjustably mounted to the mirror and sound support assembly; and also includes a mirror and sound system control assembly for adjusting positioning, volume, and lighting of the mirror and sound assembly.

Abstract: An electrically powered retractable door mirror in which a horizontal worm gear can rotate securely and smoothly by making the horizontal worm gear less affected by building differences between a frame body and a motor installation component is provided. On the under surface of an outer plate 50, horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78 are provided. In the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, a notch 86 is formed. By fitting shank portions 36a, 36b of the horizontal worm gear 36 through the notch 86, by deflecting the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, into a space inside the bearing 84 of the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, the horizontal worm gear 36 is fixed on the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78. At the bottom inside the box 28, flexure control portions 80, 82 are provided.

Abstract: A mirror support structure includes a mirror holder and a detachably attachable single unit which, when attached to the mirror holder after a mirror has been inserted in the mirror holder, applies bias forces to the mirror. The bias forces are applied so as to press against a front surface of the mirror in the vicinities of the two fixed points and the adjustable point, which tilts the mirror, so that the back surface of the mirror touches the two fixed points and the adjustable point. The single unit includes flexible parts, which apply bias forces to the front surface of the mirror in the vicinities of the two fixed points, and a flexible part which applies a bias force, that is less than the bias forces applied in the vicinities of the two fixed points, to the front surface of the mirror in the vicinity of the adjustable point.

Abstract: An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a resonant beam sweep about a first axis. A mirror or reflective surface supported by a first pair of torsional hinges is driven into resonant oscillations about the first axis by inertially coupling energy through the first pair of torsional hinges. A light source reflects a beam of light from the mirror such that the oscillating mirror produces a beam sweep across a target area. The resonant beam sweep is moved orthogonally on the target area by a gimbals portion of the mirror pivoting about a second axis according to one embodiment. A second independent mirror provides the orthogonal movement according to a second embodiment.

Abstract: A display apparatus on the vehicle ceiling, in front of a partition wall which blocks the view of the rear window from the internal rear-view mirror, in order to display information, in particular about an area to the rear of the vehicle which is monitored by a monitoring device. When driving rearwards, the internal mirror is deflected, for example being pivoted automatically upwards from the position of the direction of travel selection lever, so that the driver can read the display, which is otherwise located outside the mirror field of view, via the rear-view mirror.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly which enables moving the reflective mirror element to an alternate position for viewing of areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden in the driver's blind spot. The blind spot system includes a reflective mirror element mounted on a pivot member such as an electric actuator for adjusting the field of view of the mirror element for different drivers about an axis which is preferably centered on the mirror element. A support member has a joint spaced laterally of the axis and pivotally connected to the pivot member for moving the mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. A power source such as an electric motor is preferably mounted on the pivot member and is spaced from the support member joint, and includes a threaded member pivotally connected to the support member and driven by a gear.

Abstract: A vibrating microdevice, such as a vibrating micromirror, includes a vibrating structure which is connected to a supporting body via at least one spring structure in an at least a largely floating manner, the spring structure including at least one torsion-spring element defining a torsion axis and permitting a torsional vibration about the torsion axis to be induced in the vibrating structure, the spring structure also including at least one converter structure, which at least partially converts forces acting at least largely perpendicularly to the torsion axis on the torsion spring element into forces acting at least partially parallelly to the torsion axis on the torsion-spring element.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly for large vehicles, such as trucks, includes a reflective element, a support bracket, and an actuator mounting the reflective element to the support bracket. A mirror housing is secured to the support bracket. The electrical actuator is mounted to the support bracket by a plurality of fasteners and includes an actuator housing, which has a peripheral surface extending around the fasteners. The support bracket provides bearing contact for at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the housing to reduce the vibration and improve the stability of the mirror assembly. The electrical actuator includes a movable member which supports the reflective element for movement therewith and which extends into the actuator housing and frictionally engages the housing to minimize vibration of the movable member when it pivots.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a substrate, a reflective element spaced from the surface of the substrate, a pair of electrodes disposed adjacent to the surface of the substrate, spaced apart from each other, and disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the reflective element, and including a dielectric liquid disposed at least between the reflective element and the pair of electrodes. The reflective element is adapted to be positioned at any position within a continuous range between a first position and a second position in response to analog electrical signals applied to the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A micro mirror unit includes a moving part carrying a mirror portion, a frame and torsion bars connecting the moving part to the frame. The moving part, the frame and the torsion bars are formed integral from a material substrate. The frame includes a portion thicker than the moving part.

Abstract: An extensible outside rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a spring-clamped slide mechanism that ensures a zero clearance fit between sliding components to avoid vibration. Bearing members between the sliding components reduce friction and provide a consistent reaction force to ensure smooth operation of an actuator mechanism which extends or retracts the mirror assembly along a support arm. The slide mechanism includes V-shaped guiderails vertically aligned with opposing V-shaped guiderails on the mounting bracket assembly. Rod-like bearing means are interposed between the opposing guiderail pairs. A cantilever clamp jaw with spring means biases one guiderail toward the other with a high spring force which provides superior rigidity and thus enhanced mirror image clarity.

Abstract: A device for a vehicle adjustable rear-view mirror is provided, wherein the device includes a fixed portion as well as a mirror support capable of pivoting relative to the portion using a driving motor and at least one driving gear. Also a potentiometer is used for generating a signal that indicates the pivot angle between the fixed portion and the mirror support which is considered as a module. The potentiometer includes a resistive member and a wiper, one of which is coupled to a base member attached to the fixed portion while the other is connected through a friction coupling to the driving gear or to a rotating part that co-operates with the same. One of those two members comprises two abutments having an angular deviation that corresponds to the pivot angle, the fixed portion and the mirror support, while the other member comprises two counter-abutments that co-operate with said abutments.

Abstract: In response to an operation of reversing a vehicle, a tilt motor is rotated by a specific amount in a normal direction to tilt a mirror angle to a position that permits a mirror to provide the driver with a view of the area near a rear wheel of the vehicle, while in response to an operation of releasing the reverse gear, the tilt motor is rotated by a specific amount in a reverse direction to restore the tilt angle to a normal position thereof. During the operations, a high-frequency signal generated upon switching a brush of the motor is detected using a pickup coil to determine an amount of rotation of the motor. One and the same pickup coil may be used for detection during both of normal and reverse rotations. A voltage of a battery 3 is stabilized in a motor power stabilizing circuit 10, and supplied via a motor driving circuit 8 to a tilt motor M2. Polarity of the voltage outputted from the motor power stabilizing circuit 10 is fixed.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle has a mirror plate set including a mirror plate and a rear cover, a moving mechanism for the mirror plate set and including a bearing/electric motor set, a housing in which the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set are accommodated, a base with which the housing is connected in an articulated manner, the base being fixable to a side of a vehicle, the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set being directly fixed with one another with the use of parts including one part provided in the mirror plate set and another part provided in the bearing/engine set and connectable with the one part.

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.

Abstract: A MEMS device having a fixed element and a movable element wherein one or the other of the fixed element and the movable element has at least one radially-extended stop or overdeflection limiter. A fixed overlayer plate forms an aperture. The aperture is sized to minimize vignetting and may be beveled on the margin. Overdeflection limitation occurs during deflection before the movable element can impinge on an underlying electrode. The overdeflection limiter may be conveniently placed adjacent a gimbaled hinge.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a substrate and a plate spaced from and oriented substantially parallel to the substrate such that the plate and the substrate define a cavity therebetween. A reflective element is interposed between the substrate and the plate, and a liquid having an index of refraction greater than one is disposed in the cavity between at least the reflective element and the plate. As such, the reflective element is adapted to move between a first position and at least one second position.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a substrate having a surface, and a plate spaced from and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate such that the plate and the surface of the substrate define a cavity therebetween. A dielectrophoretic liquid capable of movement when an electrical signal is applied to the micro-mirror device is disposed in the cavity, and a reflective element is interposed between the surface of the substrate and the plate such that the reflective element is adapted to move between a first position and at least one second position.