Abstract: A system of rear view assemblies for a vehicle includes at least one first rear view assembly mounted to a driver side of the vehicle to observe traffic conditions behind the driver side, at least one second rear view assembly mounted on a passenger side of the vehicle to observe traffic conditions behind the passenger side, and a vision system. A vehicle including such a system is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical arrangements including: a disk-shaped laser-active medium, a deflecting device, having a plurality of mirror elements on which mirror faces for deflecting a laser beam are formed, and having a base body on which the mirror elements are fastened, the mirror faces of the mirror elements being oriented in such a way that the laser beam is deflected by a respective mirror face via the disk-shaped laser-active medium to another mirror face. The mirror elements are formed in one piece or are monolithically joined, and have a connecting section that is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to a center axis and is rigidly connected by a material-fit connection or a direct connection to the base body.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical arrangements including: a disk-shaped laser-active medium, a deflecting device, having a plurality of mirror elements on which mirror faces for deflecting a laser beam are formed, and having a base body on which the mirror elements are fastened, the mirror faces of the mirror elements being oriented in such a way that the laser beam is deflected by a respective mirror face via the disk-shaped laser-active medium to another mirror face. The mirror elements are formed in one piece or are monolithically joined, and have a connecting section that is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to a center axis and is rigidly connected by a material-fit connection or a direct connection to the base body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for image recording includes receiving images of an environment surrounding a motorcycle from an imaging device disposed in a front section of the motorcycle. The imaging device is directed rearward with respect to the front section of the motorcycle. The method includes detecting a reflected image region in the images. The reflected image region is reflecting off a reflective surface worn by an operator of the motorcycle. The method includes detecting a front object in the environment surrounding the motorcycle based on the reflected image region.

Abstract: There is provided a mirror device for a vehicle, including: a support body that is fixed to a vehicle body side and supports a mirror of the vehicle; and a covering body that covers an outer periphery of the support body, wherein the covering body includes: a first covering body, mounting of which to the support body by a linear movement is constrained, the mounting of the first covering body to the support body including turning of the first covering body relative to the support body, and a second covering body that is combined with the first covering body.

Abstract: A vehicle directional heading system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a forward viewing camera viewing through a heatable localized region of the windshield, which includes a heating element disposed thereat. A compass system includes a compass sensor and associated compass circuitry that, responsive to an output of the compass sensor indicative of sensed magnetic fields, is operable to determine a directional heading of the vehicle. When the heatable localized region is heated by an electrically resistive material of the heating element passing an applied electric current when the heating element is electrically powered, a magnetic signature is generated. The compass sensor of the compass system senses said magnetic signature, and the compass circuitry determines a vehicle directional heading of the vehicle that is compensated for the magnetic signature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening construction for an exterior mirror unit for a motor vehicle, comprising two parts secured to each other substantially immovably at least in an axial direction. A first part has a frame, configured to cooperate with the second part, which accommodates a resilient element such that the frame can at least locally allow the resilient element, during assembly of the first part to the second part, to bend and/or spring away in a sideward direction which extends substantially transversely to the axial direction, while the frame at least locally prevents the resilient element from bending and/or springing away at least one way in said axial direction. The fastening construction is furthermore configured to have the resilient element, during the placement of the first and the second part onto each other, spring away in the sideward direction and thereupon have it at least partly spring back.

Abstract: Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

Abstract: A material handling machine can be operated in a bucket shake control mode to override proportional control of a valve controlling fluid flow to and from a bucket tilt cylinder of the machine. Fluid flow through the valve upon actuation of a tilt controller such a joystick therefore is proportional to actuator stroke when the shake control system is deactivated and is always maximized regardless of actuator stroke when the shake control system is activated. Bucket shake control is activated through the manual operation of a control device such as a joystick-mounted switch. As a result of this arrangement, proportional control valve actuation always occurs immediately upon bucket tilt controller movement in a direction that is dependent upon a direction of bucket tilt controller movement from the neutral position thereof.

Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic cell, a switchable reflective element, a display module, an ambient light sensor, and a controller. The controller automatically selects a display mode or a mirror mode in response to a detected ambient light level. In a display mode, the controller activates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a low reflection mode, and sets the electrochromic cell to a clear state with minimum attenuation. In a mirror mode, the controller deactivates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a high reflection mode, and varies attenuation by the electrochromic cell.

Abstract: A support for a pad computer and the like includes a body support strap which may be placed around the neck or shoulders of a user, and a body propping unit that positions a computer outwardly from the torso of the user. The body support strap connects to the body propping member preferably at a location proximately aligned with the center of gravity of the combined mass of the computer and computer support when the body popping member is deployed in its stand-off position. In a preferred variant the body propping member is a U-shaped strut assembly with two arms joined by a bridge. The body support strap connects to the arms. The arms are hinged at the sides of the computer. The bridge may be swung from an in-use orientation spacing the computer outwardly from a user, to a parked position wherein the bridge lies adjacent to an opposite transverse edge of the computer in the plane of the computer.

Abstract: A balloon envelope with an integrated receiver. In an example embodiment, a balloon includes: (i) an envelope including one or more signal passing sections, each of the one or more signal-passing sections being configured to allow a signal to pass through; (ii) at least one signal receiver corresponding to a particular one of the one or more signal passing sections; and (iii) at least one signal-directing surface located within the envelope and corresponding to the particular one of the one or more signal-passing sections, the at least one signal-directing surface being configured to receive the signal and direct the signal towards the at least one signal receiver.

Abstract: A distortion free image capture mirror assembly, and more particularly one which can be associated with side view mirrors for use by drivers on all type of vehicles. The distortion free image capture mirror assembly includes a support or housing, a distortion free mirror, and image channeling horizontal surfaces in the form of an image channeling awning disposed above the distortion free mirror, and an image channeling sill mounted below the distortion free mirror. In addition, side beams to the right and left sides of the distortion free mirror are provided. The two horizontal surfaces will serve to eliminate distracting background view and direct or channel the image from the critical blind spot area with a clear non-distorted view toward the driver.

Abstract: A peripheral vision safety system and device expands peripheral vision of an individual without impeding forward vision. The expanded zone of peripheral vision provides a new level of safety for flaggers and other construction site members by reducing the risk of injury or death from passing vehicles, heavy equipment, and other hazards not in their direct line of sight. A peripheral vision safety device includes a detachable mounting clip for removably securing it to the brim of a safety helmet or cap or other type of head covering. A peripheral vision safety device includes multiple adjustable couplings configured for optimal positioning of the reflector.

Abstract: A wearable reflective device. The wearable reflective device includes a mirror, a base and a strap. The strap is attached to the base for securing the device to a user. The mirror is connected to the base by a pivotal element and a rotational element, wherein the pivotal element is configured to allow the mirror to pivot along a first plane, the rotational element configured to allow the mirror and pivotal element to rotate in a second plane. The first plane is substantially orthogonal to the second plane.

Abstract: A handy rear view mirror device for use by the rider of a bicycle or other personal mobility vehicle comprising a convex reflective mirror integrated with a base component and held in place over the optimum sweet spot triangulated area between the index finger, thumb and wrist of a bare hand or a gloved hand of any size by means of a harness system comprising an elastic cord threaded through holes in the base component to form loops for insertion of the wrist, index finger and thumb of the hand and secured on the back of the hand through cord pulls at the ends of the elastic cord. The device provides a near vibration-less, clear, sharp and accurate rear viewing, and effortless, infinite maneuverability into the most optimal position to focus through an individual's own unique eyesight, leading to less eye strain.

Abstract: An integrated automotive compass suitable for use in a vehicle includes an application specific integrated circuit that includes at least first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. The first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements and at least a portion of associated circuitry are established on a common semiconductor substrate using CMOS technology. When powered via a vehicle power source, the application specific integrated circuit, at least in part, generates a compass directional heading of the vehicle. The directional heading of the vehicle is determined, at least in part, responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements. Automatic compensation for a deviating magnetic field during operation of the vehicle is achieved, at least in part, via an algorithm processed by a processor of application specific integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a door mirror for an automobile in which a variation in a gap between a bottom wall of a housing and a pedestal portion of a door-mirror base is eliminated. In this door mirror for an automobile, even if distortion, contraction error or the like occurs in a lower housing after molding, if the frame and the shaft are assembled rotatably with accuracy, since a lower end face of a shaft container portion provided on the frame rotatably connected to the shaft fixed to a pedestal portion of the door-mirror base is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of an opening portion in the inner face of a bottom wall of the lower housing, the housing can be fixed to the frame without an error in the positional relationship between the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion of the lower housing and the shaft.

Abstract: An automatic compass system for a vehicle includes compass circuitry having a multi-axis compass sensor and associated circuitry. The multi-axis compass sensor includes first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. The magnetoresponsive sensing elements and at least a portion of the associated circuitry are established on a common silicon substrate using CMOS technology. The associated circuitry includes at least one of (i) an A/D converter, (ii) a D/A converter, (iii) signal processing circuitry, (iv) memory, (v) signal filtering circuitry, (vi) a display driver. The compass circuitry (i) determines a directional heading of the equipped vehicle responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements and (ii) automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field. Responsive to the compass circuitry, an information display of the equipped vehicle may display the directional heading of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: Rear view mirrors for use with a brim of a hat. Telescopic arms extend from the brim and are pivotable and swivelable from a central ball joint and have rear view mirrors disposed on the distal ends thereof that are pivotable and swivelable on the ball joints that transition from the distal end of the telescopic arms and the rear view mirrors. The rear view mirrors and telescopic arms are articulated by the user to provide the desired field of vision behind the user.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having compass circuitry having a multi-axis sensor and associated circuitry. At least a portion of the compass circuitry is established on a semiconductor substrate using CMOS technology. The multi-axis sensor comprises at least first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. The magnetoresponsive sensing elements may be disposed in the mirror casing and move in tandem with the mirror casing and the reflective element when the mirror casing is adjusted by the driver of the vehicle. Processing of an algorithm by a microprocessor of the interior rearview mirror system determines a directional heading of the equipped vehicle responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements and automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field. An information display may display the directional heading of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display. The display is disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of an electrochromic reflective element of the mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the mirror assembly by a photosensor of the mirror assembly. The display is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, and the information at least includes video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. A control of the mirror assembly is in communication with a network bus of the equipped vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. A reflectance level of the electrochromic reflective element is controlled at least responsive to a determination of a light level by the photosensor.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror casing, a reflective element and an application specific integrated compass chip. The application specific integrated compass chip includes at least two magnetoresponsive sensing elements established on a semiconductor substrate, and further includes associated circuitry commonly established with the magnetoresponsive sensing elements on the semiconductor substrate. Processing of an algorithm by a microprocessor of the interior rearview mirror system determines a directional heading of the vehicle responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements and automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field. An information display of the interior rearview mirror assembly displays the directional heading of the vehicle. The application specific integrated compass chip may have an area of less than approximately two square centimeters.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, an electro-optic reflective element and an information display. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element and is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, with the information including video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. Information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information, and, when the information display is not displaying information, the presence of the information display behind the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element is substantially not discerned by the driver of the vehicle normally viewing the reflective element in the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for tilting a mirror. The apparatus includes a plate for supporting the mirror and a diaphragm sandwiched between the mirror and the plate. The diaphragm includes cutout portions forming a pattern in the diaphragm. As the plate provides tilt motion to the mirror, the pattern in the diaphragm stabilizes the tilt motion of the mirror.

Abstract: A hand held mirror includes a body having a first and second body portion. The second body portion is arranged at a variable angle of between 0 and 50 degrees from the plane of the first body portion. A convex mirror is attached to the underside of the second body portion such that when the hand-held mirror is attached to the body of the user and raised or tilted slightly, the user has a view of the activities behind the user. The hand-held mirror may be attached to a piece of clothing or other article worn by the user including a glove or strap worn around the hand or lower wrist of the user. In addition, the hand-held mirror may include an additional device such as a watch, temperature gauge, altimeter, cell phone, radio, GPS, heart rate monitor, mapping device or turn signal indicator.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle through a transflective mirror reflector of a reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the information display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the interior rearview mirror assembly by at least one photosensor. The information display is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing video camera of the vehicle and the information display displays video images captured by the rearward facing video camera during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a signal indicative of the vehicle transmission being in reverse is communicated via a network bus of the vehicle to a control of the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A hand-wearing assembly has a main body and a side mirror mount. The main body is a loop and has a connecting top. The side mirror mount is connected with and stands on the connecting top and has a mirror face facing a rear end of the connecting top and is capable of being connected with a side mirror. The side mirror mount allows the side mirror to stand above a wrist or a back of a hand. Accordingly, a rider can see a rear sight at ease via the standing mirror. With a slight movement of the hand, the position of the side mirror is easily adjusted to enable the rider to see all the rear area from all directions, or to check the positions of the following cyclists.

Abstract: An interior rearview information mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a reflective element, and includes an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward facing camera having a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle, and the forward facing camera views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: An information mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic transflective reflective element and a reconfigurable liquid crystal video display operable to display information. The video display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the transflective mirror reflector of the transflective reflective element, wherein information displayed by the video display is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector when the video display is displaying information. The rearview mirror assembly includes a microprocessor that controls dimming of the electro-optic transflective reflective element and that controls the video display. The information mirror system includes a forward facing camera that captures images through the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a rear view mirror system in an article of headgear comprises first, second and third mirrors, the first mirror, in use, being adjacent the eyes of the user and the second mirror being located between the first and third mirrors, wherein the first mirror is mounted on a movable element that is movable towards and away from a fixed element, and wherein the first mirror is rotatably mounted on the said movable element.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a casing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and a control. An information display disposed behind said reflective element whereby information displayed by the information display is viewable through the transflective reflector by a driver of a vehicle when the information display is displaying information. At least a portion of the control is disposed within the mirror casing and behind the reflective element, and another portion of the control is disposed at the mounting structure. The other portion of control may include a forward facing imaging array that is part of at least one of (a) a headlamp controller of the vehicle, (b) an object detection system of the vehicle, (c) a rain sensor of the vehicle and (d) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a control having control circuitry. An information display is disposed behind a transflective reflective element to display information that is viewable through the transflective reflector by a driver of a vehicle when the information display is displaying information. A mounting structure mounts the mirror casing to an interior portion of the vehicle, and the mirror casing is adjustable relative to the interior portion of the vehicle via at least one pivot element of the mounting structure. The control circuitry includes a photosensor and the control controls dimming of the electrochromic medium responsive to detection of light by the photosensor. Electrical wiring connects to at least a portion of the control circuitry that is disposed within the mirror casing. The electrical wiring passes through the pivot element of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A spherical mounting assembly for mounting an optical element allows for rotational motion of an optical surface of the optical element only. In that regard, an optical surface of the optical element does not translate in any of the three perpendicular translational axes. More importantly, the assembly provides adjustment that may be independently controlled for each of the three mutually perpendicular rotational axes.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and compass circuitry. An information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle through the transflective minor reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The compass sensor may be disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element. The compass circuitry may be responsive to the compass sensor for determining a directional heading of the vehicle. The information display is operable to display the directional heading to the driver of equipped vehicle. The compass circuitry at least partially compensates for movement of the compass sensor caused by adjustment of the mirror housing.

Abstract: A rear viewing device includes an elongate main body member having a first end, a second end and a medial portion positioned between the first end and the second end. The medial portion may include a pocket formed therein. The rear viewing device may also include a mirror adapted to be removeably carried by the pocket formed in the medial portion of the elongate main body member. The rear viewing device may also include respective fasteners carried by the first end and the second end of the elongate main body member. The respective fasteners may be adapted to matingly engage one another so that the elongate main body member may be worn by a user.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and compass circuitry. An information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle through the transflective minor reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The compass sensor may be disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element. The compass circuitry may be responsive to the compass sensor for determining a directional heading of the vehicle. The information display is operable to display the directional heading to the driver of equipped vehicle. The compass circuitry at least partially compensates for movement of the compass sensor caused by adjustment of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An auxiliary mirror assembly for a sideview mirror of a car includes an auxiliary mirror including a mirror body and a connecting base, a first support bar and a second support bar each mounted on the connecting base, a first holding base and a second holding base each mounted on the first support bar and each provided with at least one holding flange, a locking hook and a binding strap. Thus, the first support bar and the second support bar are combined with the sideview mirror to attach the auxiliary mirror to the sideview mirror to extend the side-viewing distance of the sideview mirror so that when a trailer is attached to the car, the driver in the car can see clearly the trailer behind the car by the auxiliary mirror.

Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display screen disposed in a mirror housing and behind a transflective mirror reflector of a transflective reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. Information displayed by the video display screen is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector when the video display screen is activated and, when the video display screen is not activated, the presence of the video display screen behind the transflective mirror reflector is substantially not discerned by a driver of the equipped vehicle normally viewing the transflective reflective element when operating the equipped vehicle. A compass sensor may be disposed within the mirror housing and behind the transflective reflective element, and the compass sensor may adjust in tandem with adjustment of a rearward field of view of the transflective reflective element.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A housing is fixedly secured to the base. The housing defines an opening. A mirror is operatively secured to the housing at the opening. The mirror defines a rear view mirror portion and a spotting mirror portion wherein the rear view mirror portion and the spotting mirror portion are fabricated from a unitary structure.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a compass sensor. A physical mount mounts the compass sensor at the reflective element whereby the compass sensor adjusts in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element. A control receives at least one signal indicative of at least one magnetic field sensed by the compass sensor. The control determines a directional heading of the vehicle based on the signal or signals and generates a signal indicative of the directional heading of the vehicle. The control may automatically compensate for adjustment of the compass sensor in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element.

Abstract: A hand held mirror includes a body having a first and second body portion. The second body portion is arranged at a variable angle of between 0 and 50 degrees from the plane of the first body portion. A convex mirror is attached to the underside of the second body portion such that when the hand-held mirror is attached to the body of the user and raised or tilted slightly, the user has a view of the activities behind the user. The hand-held mirror may be attached to a piece of clothing or other article worn by the user including a glove or strap worn around the hand or lower wrist of the user. In addition, the hand-held mirror may include an additional device such as a watch, temperature gauge, altimeter, cell phone, radio, GPS, heart rate monitor, mapping device or turn signal indicator.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a base portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, the first end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface, the second end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface and having a curved portion extending therefrom, the base portion having a plurality of grooves parallel with the first and second ends, a connector portion coupled to the base portion, the first end of the connector portion coupled to the curved portion such that the connector portion may rotate about the base portion, and a mirror coupled to the second end of the connector portion, the mirror having a connection means horizontally disposed along the back portion thereof, the second end of the connector portion coupled to the connection means such that the mirror may rotate about the second end of the connector portion.

Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A tube is pivotably secured to the base. The tube extends between a pivot end and a distal end. A mirror housing defines a mirror opening and a tube opening. The mirror housing receives the distal end and a portion of the tube disposed adjacent the distal end through the tube opening. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and is exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. A case frame is fixedly secured to the mirror housing at a position disposed adjacent the mirror. The side mirror assembly also includes a locking lever which is movable between an unlocked position allowing the case frame and the mirror housing to slide along the tube and a lock position for securing the case frame and the mirror housing at a desired position along the tube.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a compass sensor having first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. A physical mount mounts the compass sensor at the rear of the reflective element whereby the compass sensor adjusts in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The physical mount is configured to at least partially offset the angle of the reflective element selected by the driver. A control receives a first signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the first magnetoresponsive sensing element and receives a second signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control determines a directional heading of the vehicle based on the first and second signals, and automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field of the vehicle and generates a signal indicative of the directional heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror assembly is disclosed having a holding arm connection with reduced wind turbulence comprising a holding arm having a first end and a second end for attachment to the vehicle. A mirror head is carried by the holding arm having a mirror element. A connection device is disposed between the mirror head to the holding arm having opposing convex sides including a convex mounting side and a convex wind encountering side. The convex mounting side providing an enlarged mounting surface disposed toward the mirror head. The connection device has a contoured cradle for engaging the enlarged mounting surface of the convex mounting side of the holding arm with the opposing convex side of the holding arm being aerodynamically exposed to the on coming wind. A fastener tightly fastens the holding arm and connection device together so that a reliable connection with reduced turbulence is provided for the mirror head and the holding arm.

Abstract: The described invention embodies the design of a rear vision activity mirror for use in several recreational and sports activities. The rear view mirror is designed to attach to a glove, armband, helmet, wristband, goggles or a Velcro strip that can be connected to several apparatuses, sports equipment and/or activity gear or gear parts. This invention allows the user to acquire rear view vision through a rear view mirror and the design of this invention's swivel mechanism. This device enables the user to see behind in stern view, through a range of rear view angles and perspectives. The position of the rear view mirror can be adjusted to many positions through its ability to swivel and its ability to stay in a “set” position.

Abstract: A focusing-device for the radiation from a light source (2) is provided with a collector mirror (1, 1?) which is arranged in a mount (24) and collects the light, in virtual or real terms, from the light source (2) at the second focus (200). The collector mirror (1, 1?) is displaceably connected to the mount (24) via a bearing in such a way that its optical properties remain at least approximately the same even in the event of temperature changes.

Abstract: A pivot and detent mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base 30 for mounting on a vehicle; an arm 40 for supporting a mirror head 20, the arm 40 pivotally connected to the base 30 to allow angular movement of the head 20, the arm having spaced apart first and second flexible branches 44 and 44?; and a deploy detent recess and a cooperating detent member 46 set, the deploy detent member 46 engageable with the detent recess to hold the mirror head 20 with respect to the base 30 in a deployed position. The flexible branches 44 and 44? are resiliently movable with respect to each other to allow disengagement and engagement of the deploy detent member 46 from the detent recess upon the application of sufficient force to the mirror head 20 allowing the head 20 to move from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. An improved pre-loaded spring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two piece mirror support bracket is formed with a sail side half and a mirror side half joined together at an interface to permit the mirror support bracket to pass through a mirror pedestal without requiring the enlarged head on either half to pass through the mirror pedestal. The two halves of the mirror support bracket are joined by mechanical fasteners to form an integral apparatus operable to support the mirror glass and actuator assembly from the automotive chassis at the mirror sail. The mechanical fasteners can include heat stakes to fix the mirror side half and the sail side half together. The smaller mirror pedestal reduces wind noise and aerodynamic drag, while increasing the flexibility for design styling of the automobile, without requiring a design change for the mirror glass or actuator mechanism for manipulating the orientation of the mirror glass.