Abstract: A foldable mirror device for a vehicle, in which a case is mounted on a support shaft erected from a base. The case includes a ring-shaped support portion for supporting the shaft, a motor connected to a transmission for swinging the mirror, and a clutch portion for disengageably engaging with the base. The support portion can be strengthened by ribs between the support portion and other portions of the case. A worm gear of the transmission can be mounted on a motor output shaft to be freely movable therealong, and supported and constrained by supporting a bottom end of the worm gear on the case and accommodating an upper end of the worm gear in a cylindrical projection from a motor base which supports the motor. End portions of convexities and concavities at the engagement portion can be formed in a concave or convex screw shape.

Abstract: The rear-view mirror for large vehicles is made up of a case which holds the mirror, articulated to a support which can be fixed to a side of the vehicle. Between the case and the support is a pneumatic cylinder made up of a cylindrical body with two air input apertures and a piston. The end of the cylindrical body is articulated to a point of the case conveniently distant from the support of the same, while the free end of the piston can be seen with a jointed extension inside of the case, the free end of which has an articulated fork at to the projection of the support.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The rearview mirror assembly includes a monitor which receives collected data from an imaging device on the vehicle. The mirror and monitor permit a driver to view the mirror image and collected data simultaneously. The driver may also manipulate the monitor and the imaging device to change views and the collected data.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a bracket is divided into a frame and a case member. Thus, the frame and the like for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side can both hold a mirror at a vehicle rear side thereof. A mounting hole and a supporting hole of a case member are provided to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane which passes through a widthwise direction center of the case member. Thus, even if a common case member is used both for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side by left and right sides of the case member being reversed, the mounting hole of the case member can be mounted to the frame and the like for the vehicle right side and the vehicle left side.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror 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 printed circuit board micromirror assembly (10) is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a mirror device (12) having a mirror surface (16) that can rotate in two axes. Actuation elements (14) are attached to the mirror device (12), to permit rotation of the mirror surface (16) responsive to the energizing of drivers (30). A spacer (22) connects between a printer circuit board (20) and mirror element (12) to permit sufficient movement of the mirror surface (16). In the alternative, the printed circuit board (20) includes a recess to form a gap to permit sufficient movement of the mirror surface (16). One or more sensors (40) are disposed under the mirror surface (16) to detect mirror orientation. According to another aspect of the invention, control circuitry is arranged under the mirror surface (16) to control the deflection of mirror element (36).

Abstract: An actuating mechanism, in particular for driving a motor vehicle rearview mirror. The actuating mechanism includes a housing, at least one electric motor, which is arranged therein and whose output shaft is drive-coupled to a reducing gear, driving an actuating mechanism, and a plug shaft, which is designed as one piece with the housing and into which a connecting plug can be plugged. Different types of contacting are possible with a housing shape and there is always the guarantee of a strain relief for the supply and/or control lines. Additional relief strain devices, which are not one piece with the housing and which can be plugged into the plug shaft and locked with the housing and which can accommodate at least two supply and/or control lines in one area, are at a distance from the line ends and holds the line ends so as to resist tension.

Abstract: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A rear view mirror (1) for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a mirror element, in the mirror surface of which the driver may observe the traffic behind the driver. In order variably to be able to vary the reflection detail shown in the rear view mirror (1), the mirror element (2) is composed of a plurality of component mirrors (3). These component mirrors (3) are arranged so as to be pivotally mounted on a base plate (5) and the angle of reflection of each component mirror (3) may be adjusted through control of at least one associated drive unit (6).

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved rearview mirror device for the use. Rearview mirror device of the present invention is likely to be particularly useful in ground vehicle, such as car or truck for better driving view since it automatically modifies the angle to provide a safety-view for driver during the vehicle turning. In one preferred embodiment, an automatic mirror angle modifying device comprises: a rearview mirror, which is supported on a vehicle body; an shaft rotation measurement device, which further includes a ring apparatus which surrounds the steering wheel shaft and a ring apparatus decoder; a microprocessor and a motor. While the steering wheel is rotating to indicate to vehicle body turning, the measuring device detects the shaft rotation angle. Then, according to the rotation angle, the microprocessor computes the best rear view angle and informs the motor to drive the mirror to an adequate position.

Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing a mirror glass carrier, which is provided with intersecting metal toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with the output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising an electric contactor for the mirror glass to supply electric energy for the mirror heater, the mirror dimmer or other consuming devices, whereby the energy is transported by means of toothed strips, which are electrically insulated from each other in the crossing area.

Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted a mirror glass carrier that is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing and that is provided with intersecting toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising an electric contactor for the mirror glass to supply electric energy to heat the mirror, dim the mirror or the like, wherein the contact connecting lines are guided through the central axis of the ball and cap bearing.

Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing a mirror glass carrier, which is provided preferably with intersecting metal toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with the output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising a line feed-through, which is designed preferably as a feed-through plug and belongs to the drive housing, for connecting the electrical consuming devices to the outer current and control lines, whereby the line feed-through is molded to an adapter element, which can be inserted into a recess of the drive housing and which preferably closes said drive housing so as to seal.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. A support arm extends longitudinally between a proximal end pivotally coupled to the support base and an opposite distal end. The mirror assembly further includes a housing coupled to the support arm and slidable between a retracted position adjacent to the proximal end and an extended position adjacent to the distal end and spaced from the proximal end. A glass mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing a reflective view from the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly also includes a drive mechanism coupled between the support arm and the housing for providing both power actuated and manual sliding movement of the housing along the support arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic selection of a vehicular sideview mirror using the eye gaze of a vehicle operator. Once a particular sideview mirror is selected, it can be adjusted as desired by the vehicle operator. The method and system includes an eye contact detection device or eye gaze tracking device for selecting a left or a right vehicle sideview mirror to adjust by detecting an eye gaze of the vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for compact, high-speed, latched optical switching devices utilizing bimorph piezoelectric material. The apparatus employs an optical switching prism, that is capable of interchanging two parallel beams, to construct a 2×2 optical switch. In order to construct compact and high-speed switches, the prism has to be small and light-weigh, thus, the separation of the two parallel beams becomes small. A pair of reflection corner mirror capable of separating these two close parallel beams is used. The switching is performed by vertically inserting the prism into the optical path and only less than one millimeter (limited by the beam size) movement is required. Because the switching is based on beam deflection instead of reflection, it is not vulnerable to vibration.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket, a mirror subassembly, and a support which is supported by the mounting bracket. The mirror subassembly is supported by the support and is mounted for selective movement along the support arm to one of a plurality of viewing positions. The mirror subassembly includes a housing, a reflective element, and an actuator which supports the reflective element on a forward facing wall of the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a clamping assembly which provides a force to urge frictional engagement between the housing and the support to limit movement of the mirror subassembly along the support. In preferred form, the support extends into the housing and frictionally engages an exterior surface of the forward facing wall.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle, with a mirror foot to be fixed to the motor vehicle and a mirror head, whereby the mirror head, which carries a mirror glass, can be swivelled around a swivel axis relative to the mirror foot between a driving position (F) and a park position (P) by a drive, and is fixed to the mirror foot with a swivel joint, can be folded against the motor vehicle from an operating position (F to P) under a force acting externally on the mirror head, whereby a cooperation between parts fixed to the mirror foot and mirror head can be disengaged in order to avoid damage to the drive. The outside rear view mirror has a rapid synchronization of the cooperation between parts when the mirror has been folded manually.

Abstract: Actuator for a mirror disc to be mounted on a motor vehicle with a drive housing that may be fixed relative to the motor vehicle and accepts at least one electric drive in a drive chamber and a carrier element for the mirror disc. The carrier element is mounted such that it may be pivoted relative to the drive housing around two different pivot axes and may be driven by the at least one electric drive. The drive housing is constructed in two parts, forming the aforementioned drive chamber and a component chamber for accepting electronic components. The component chamber is separated from the drive chamber.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rearview mirror that is installed in a vehicle power system of significantly more than 12 volts, whereby the number of parts and the production cost of the motor vehicle rearview mirror are not or only insignificantly increased. A consuming device is connected electrically in series to the electric motor, the consuming device affecting a decrease in the voltage at the electric motor and fulfilling a meaningful additional function.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle is provided having an adjustably supported glass subassembly and an electric adjusting mechanism for remote-controlled adjustment of the glass subassembly. The position of the glass subassembly, in particular the angular position, is determinable by means of at least one sensor. In order to enable contactless and wear-free acquisition of the position of the glass subassembly, the sensor is designed in the manner of a magnetic sensor, which cooperates in such a way with a magnetic element provided in the outside rear view mirror that the magnetic sensor or the magnetic element participates in the adjusting motion of the glass subassembly. The magnetic sensor in dependence upon the position of the magnetic element supplies a variable output signal, from which in an evaluation unit the position of the glass subassembly is derivable.

Abstract: An electronic mirror circuit for the activation of mirrors for motor vehicles, where the mirrors are positioned adjusted by electric motors. The circuit is made of an operational component having a plurality of circuits for conducting currents. Also, a load control unit is correspondingly connected with the current conducting circuits. A plurality of load circuits are in communication with the load control unit. Each of the load circuits corresponds with a given one of the current conducting circuits. The load circuits are activated by the current conducting circuits. Also provided is an electrical coupling device for connecting the load circuits to the mirrors via a wire distribution tree.

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rearview mirror, comprising a mirror housing; a carrier, which is mounted therein and on which a mirror glass drive, which includes at least one drive motor and a downstream step down gear and with which a mirror glass carrier, which can be driven by the mirror glass drive, can be swiveled around two swivel axes, arranged at right angles to each other; and connections at least to supply at least one drive motor. At least the supply of at least one drive motor occurs by means of an electronic module, which is connected electrically to the mirror glass drive by means of at least one first output plug.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a pivot structure and first and second pairs of helical structures consisting of shape memory alloy wires which serve to adjust the position of the mirror. The wires may be individually heated by conducting an electrical current to effect the contracted memory position. When the current is switched off, a wire cools and can easily be stretched to mechanically transform the wire to a martensitic phase.

Abstract: A packaged micromirror assembly (10, 10′, 10″, 110) is disclosed. The assembly (10, 10′, 10″, 110) includes a mirror element (41) having a mirror surface (29) that can rotate in two axes. Magnets (53) are attached to the mirror element (41), to permit rotation of the mirror surface (29). Coil drivers (36) are attached to a circuit board (38) or to a lead frame (65, 65′). A plastic body (30, 70) is formed around the coil drivers (36) to have an upper surface with an inner shelf (34, 74) to which the mirror element (41) is attached, and an outer shelf (32, 72) to which a transparent window (31) is attached. A resistance heater (80) may be included within the body (30, 70) to prevent internal condensation in harsh environments. Alternative embodiments of the molded assembly (120, 150) include electrostatic plates (145, 146; 155, 156) that mate with widened gimbal portions (135, 136) of the mirror element (130) to electrostatically deflect the mirror surface (124).

Abstract: In a mirror surface angle adjusting device of the present invention, supplying terminals of a connector is inserted into insertion holes of a case thereby electric power is supplied to a motor within the case. Thus the motor is driven to adjust the mirror surface angle of the mirror body. A closing plate of the connector substantially closes the interior of first waterproofing walls provided on a periphery of the insertion holes. A second water proofing wall is provided at the connector. In this way, it is possible to suppress entering of water into the first waterproofing walls.

Abstract: A reflective element for coupling to still and motion cameras for providing a self-reflection to a photographic subject is founded on a reflective element body comprising an upstanding face panel coupled to a base panel in an L-shaped configuration. A thin plastic film with a reflective metal deposit thereon is affixed to the upstanding face panel for providing the self-reflection to the photographic subject. Ideally, the thin plastic film and the reflective metal deposit are crafted to form a one-way mirror so that a photographer's view of the subject is not obscured. The reflective element can be coupled to the camera by a hook and loop combination to allow the reflective element to be affixed to the camera by a pressing of the two together and to allow the two to be separated by a mere pulling apart.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected foldably to the mirror base. An electrical line extends through the mirror base to an electrical consumer arranged in the mirror head. The electrical line has a first line section arranged in the mirror base and a second line section arranged in the mirror head. A first plug part is connected to the first line section and a second plug part is connected to the second line section. The first and second plug parts detachably connect the first line section and the second line section to one another. The first and second plug parts become detached from one another when the mirror head is folded from the position of use into a folded position and are reconnected automatically when the mirror head is moved back into the position of use.

Abstract: A special configuration of devices includes mirrors which operate to give a driver an easy and complete view around an automobile. More precisely, standard rear view mirrors are arranged in a manner to switch between providing a normal rear view and a quick look into the region sometimes and herein known as the blind spot. Switches which are specially located on a steering wheel provide access to a control system whereby a driver may operate the device without removing hands from their proper position on the steering wheel. Activation of the switch yields a mirror movement allowing a driver to check a blind spot before changing lanes.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A flexible mirror assembly is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mold line structure unit having a flexible mirror surface secured to a flexible panel. An actuator induces deformation of the flexible mirror surface such that it alters an angle at which the mirror surface reflects light.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a motor vehicle, wherein a first element can be fastened to a vehicle; and a second element, which is connected to the first element so as to swivel around at least one axis of rotation, exhibits a mounting for a manipulatable member. The second element is connected to at least one adjustable element, which can be actuated by a drive between the first and the second element, and to at least one friction element, which rests against the first element. The actuating mechanism may be used with a rearview mirror to provide an especially high controlling torque and a frictional force that is as constant as possible over its life time, whereby the number of parts is kept to a minimum and the assembly is especially simple. At least one friction element and one adjustable element form a one piece friction-adjustable element, which serves as the connecting element between the first and the second elements, and the friction-adjustable element is under a tensile load.

Abstract: This invention describes a mirror operating mechanism for rotating a mirror head from a deployed position to a parked position. The mirror head (12) is mounted to a mirror mounting bracket (10) via a spigot (11) on the mounting bracket. The mirror head (12) is supported on a mounting bracket (10) for rotation with respect to the spigot (11). At least one detent (17) is placed between the mirror mounting bracket (10) and the mirror head (12) to hold the mirror head (12) in the required position. Resilient means (23) acts between the mirror mounting bracket (10) and the mirror head (12) with respect to the detent (17) so that the detents (17) are held in engaged positions. Drive means is operatively coupled to the spigot (11) to cause the mirror head (12) to rotate with respect to the spigot (11). The drive means includes an actuator (56, 50 or 92) that is moved upon initial operation of the drive means while the detents (17) resist rotation of the mirror head (12).

Abstract: An adjustable rear-view mirror apparatus for a road vehicle has a drive for rotating the mirror to an angle determined by a control signal thereto. The drive includes an output gear driven by a drive gear rotated by a motor. A leaf spring carries the drive gear and biasses it into engagement with the output gear while allowing separation of the gears when a predetermined loading on the gears is exceeded.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.

Abstract: A bistable optical micro-switch controls the routing of an optical beam. The micro-switch has at least one optical micro-element, which is stable through electrical power interrupts, for directing the optical beam. A change in the state of the optical micro-element is effected by a vertical micro-actuator, which is biased by a micro-spring. A micro-latch can be used to keep the tensed micro-spring from un-tensing when electrical power is interrupted. A micro-latch holds the micro-element in at least one mechanically tensed, stable state.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly is provided for a vehicle having a tractor and semi-detached trailer. A control wheel is mounted in a structure connecting to a chassis of the tractor, and is raised into engagement with a lower surface of the trailer. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror. A mirror position feedback device measures the actual rotation of the mirror and feeds that information back to the assembly. A mirror position correction device automatically adjusts the mirror position when an actual mirror position differs from a desired mirror position.

Abstract: In a mirror surface angle adjusting device of the present invention, supplying terminals of a connector is inserted into insertion holes of a case thereby electric power is supplied to a motor within the case. Thus the motor is driven to adjust the mirror surface angle of the mirror body. A closing plate of the connector substantially closes the interior of first waterproofing walls provided on a periphery of the insertion holes. A second water proofing wall is provided at the connector. In this way, it is possible to suppress entering of water into the first waterproofing walls.

Abstract: An automatic side view mirror tracking system for an articulated vehicle relies upon three sets of ultrasonic transducers to develop distance measurements between two portions of the articulated vehicle. The angle between the portion of the articulated vehicle is calculated by relying on trigonometric algorithms depending only on the spacing of the transducers and the distance measurements developed by the ultrasonic transducers. Each transducer pair is configured so that both transducers are used for both transmission and reception. The transducer pairs are configured to receive reflected signals originated by other transducer pairs as well as the same transducer pair.

Abstract: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base or fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for a vehicle has a reflective member mounted for angular movement about a pivot axis perpendicular to a plane containing both a first line and a second line. The first line bisects the angle between an incident ray and a reflection of said incident ray extending to a first end of the major axis of a vertical section through the eyellipse, and the second line bisects the angle between said incident ray and a reflection of said incident ray extending to a second end of said major axis.

Abstract: A safety mirror system includes a housing mounted to a rear surface of a truck, the housing including an electrically operated drive train therein. A bracket includes a first end coupled to the drive train and a second end having the mirror mounted thereto. The drive train includes a motor which is operable by a driver operable switch in the electrical circuit. Upon switch operation the drive train will pivot the mirror between a position in which the mirror is behind the truck to a position at which the mirror is displaced from the side of the truck and angled towards the blind spot behind the rear of the truck. At this displaced position the driver can view the image of the dead space in the displaced rear mirror. The displaced mirror can be pivoted to a storage position adjacent the truck when not in use. Stop lugs within the drive train physically preclude movement of the mirror beyond the storage or displaced positions as well as cease current delivery to the drive train at these positions.

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: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely, affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: The connections device of an actuator for side mirrors of an automobile, for a back observation, is constructed by forming its main body made of synthetic resin material to reduce weight of an actuator itself and curtail a manufacture cost, and by inserting metal support plates into both sides of the main body inside so as to support and rotate the gear in a part having a danger of a damage caused owing to rotating components such as a gear etc. to prevent the main body from being damaged, whereby resulting in a light weight of the actuator and lessening a manufacture cost through a use of the main body made of the synthetic resin material, and in lengthening a life of components together with a maintenance of a mechanical strength through a use of the support plates made of metal inserted into both sides of the main body inside.