With Viewing Mirror Patents (Class 362/135)
  • Patent number: 8210726
    Abstract: The present invention provides a door mirror for an automobile, in which molding errors are made difficult to occur in a housing and assembling accuracy between the housing and a lamp assy is improved. A housing applied to the door mirror for an automobile is divided into two parts, that is, an upper housing located on the upper side and a lower housing located on the lower side, and a lamp assy constituting a side-turn lamp is disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing. Since the housing is divided vertically into two parts, materials or colors of the upper housing and the lower housing can be made different so that a texture and an appearance of the housing can be easily changed. Moreover, assembling errors between the housing and the lamp assy due to deformation by injection molding or thermal deformation applied during painting can hardly occur, and a gap can be hardly generated between the housing and the lamp assy on the surface side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Suzuki, Yosuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20120162970
    Abstract: An illuminated makeup mirror having a makeup application tutorial to aid in proper makeup application. The portable mirror includes a housing having an upper lid, a lower lid, and a hinge connecting the upper lid to the lower lid. A closure latch secures the upper lid to the lower lid. A mirror is connected to the upper lid and a plurality of lights surround the mirror. A tutorial is attached to the lower lid and includes written instructions on how to apply makeup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: LETHA JUNE BICHREST
  • Patent number: 8197107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a housing structure of a door mirror in which a fixed-side housing portion is reliably crimped to a fixing-side housing portion on the surface side of a housing. In the housing structure of a door mirror, a boss portion and a contact piece are located on the deeper side than first and second butting portions located on the surface side, and a projection portion is located farther than a screwing portion in a positional relationship in the vertical direction (an arrow Y direction) with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the first butting portion. Therefore, when the boss portion (first mounting portion) of an upper housing (fixing-side housing portion) and the contact piece (second mounting portion) of a lamp assy (fixed-side housing portion) are fixed by a screw, a screw tightening force can be concentrated on the projection portion as shown by an arrow A, and this force can be made to act on the first and second butting portions as shown by an arrow B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120140454
    Abstract: A magnifying imaging optical unit has at least four mirrors to image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. An absolute value of the Petzval radius of the image field is greater than 500 mm. The imaging optical unit can be used to inspect with sufficient imaging quality relatively large mask sections of lithography masks used during projection exposure to produce large scale integrated semiconductor components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Mann
  • Patent number: 8182124
    Abstract: Light of an incorporated lamp illuminates the lower side of a side surface of a door of a vehicle. A rear end part of a lamp socket mounted with the lamp is exposed from a cylinder part of a lamp housing and projected from the lamp housing toward a holder/mirror assembly. Therefore, when replacing the lamp, the lamp socket can be found easily by simply removing the holder/mirror assembly, and the lamp can easily be extracted along with the lamp socket, to an operator side. Also, when attaching the lamp socket, high visibility of an opening part can be obtained because the opening part of the cylinder part is exposed to the holder/mirror assembly side in the lamp housing, thereby achieving a door mirror with extremely good workability of lamp replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8118445
    Abstract: A light system for a vanity having a horizontal counter top with a wash basin positioned therein. Mounted on a wall, adjacent the counter top, is a mirror for reflecting a person's image. Along an upper edge of the mirror is a horizontal row of lights, similar to those typically mounted above conventional vanities. At least two light housings angularly depend from the lower surface of the counter top, each including an interior chamber, an open top and an outer wall. Received within the interior chamber is a compact fluorescent lamp removably mounted within a conventional light socket. An opening is formed on the counter top, immediately above the open top of each housing, for receiving a tempered-glass panel. Accordingly, activating the angled lamps and the conventional overhead lights illuminates a user's entire face thereby allowing the user to gauge the appearance of makeup in daylight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Alvin A. Patz
  • Patent number: 8099247
    Abstract: A combination mirror and media display device assembly is provided. The combination mirror and media display device includes a mirror platform having a media display device viewing area and a media display device coupled to the mirror platform. The media display device is positioned to display images through the media display device viewing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Mirror, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., James V. Mischel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8021004
    Abstract: A mirrored element (101) includes a first section (201) that is translucent when a backlight (301) is on and mirrored when the backlight is off (301). A second section (203) provides a mirrored surface when the backlight (301) is on and when the backlight (301) is off. The mirrored element (101) may optionally be provided with an enclosure (103). A baking process may be utilized to provide the second section (203) of the mirrored element (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jacek Helenowski
  • Publication number: 20110194200
    Abstract: A mirror that provides a rearview reflection is described. The rearview mirror (“RM”) may include a housing and a first mirror. The RM may further include a mounting assembly configured to couple a first portion of the housing to a surface and a securing mechanism to couple the first mirror to a second portion of the housing, where the first mirror is configured to provide a rearview reflection of an individual and/or object positioned in front of a second mirror. The first mirror may be angled. The RM may include one or more lights coupled to the housing. The RM may further include a storage unit. The angle of the first mirror may be controlled manually, mechanically, and/or electronically. The lights may be activated manually, mechanically, and/or electronically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Laura Greenlee
  • Patent number: 7853414
    Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Electric Mirror, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., Patrick Erickson
  • Patent number: 7805260
    Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, and a chassis mountable to the mirror platform. At least one electrical component is disposed between the mirror platform and the chassis. An electrical passageway is formed within the chassis for allowing the electrical component to be placed into communication with a power source located remotely from the mirror assembly. A recess is also formed within the chassis for housing a connection between the power source and the electrical component such that the chassis can be mounted substantially flush against the wall when the electrical component is electrically connected to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Electric Mirror, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., James V. Mischel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7780124
    Abstract: A shrinkable and adjustable multi-functional TV includes a display, a support device, a shrinkable and angle adjusting device. The display has a mirror on its rear side, and an LCD screen on a front side, pivotally received in an interior of a U-shaped frame of the support device and by means of a tightening button respectively threadably combined with two sides of the U-shaped frame and with two sides of the display so that the display can be turned for an angle and also turned over. The support device has its lower end pivotally connected with a first free end of the shrinkable and angle adjusting device, which has its second end pivotally connected to a suspended arm base fixed on a wall, a foot frame or a chair. Thus the TV can be shrunk for altering its viewing angle and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Wang
  • Patent number: 7777611
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a video display element. The video display element is disposed behind the mirror reflective element so that images displayed by the video display element are viewable through the mirror reflective element when the video display element is activated. The video display element is configured to display images that are readily viewable by the driver of the host vehicle and not readily viewable by drivers of other vehicles in the lane adjacent to the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Deval M. Desai
  • Patent number: 7740370
    Abstract: A modular storage container adapted to hold cosmetics or other small items in a stylish and sleek way is provided. The modular storage container can include a base unit having a first side and a second side, one of a mirror and magnifying device being arranged on the first side of the base unit, an illumination assembly for illuminating the mirror, and a removable cover. The removable cover can be adapted to secure to the first side of the base unit and to protect one of the mirror and magnifying device in a first secured position of the cover. The second side of the base unit is capable of being secured to one or more of a plurality of modular storage units in a stacked relationship. The second side of the base unit can be capable of being secured to the cover in a second secured position of the cover. The first side of the base unit can be adapted to secure to a first end of the cover and the second side of the base unit can be adapted to secure to a second end of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sleek Stax, LLC
    Inventors: Joan E. Campbell, Barry E. Claybrook, Bradley S. Kell, Stephen C. Antonucci
  • Publication number: 20100140511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat discharge lamp (1000) that transmits in the visible and/or UV comprising first and second dielectric walls (2, 3) that are facing each other, kept parallel and sealed at the periphery (8), that thus define an internal space (10) filled with a plasma gas and comprising a source of UV and/or visible light (6); and first and second electrodes (4, 5) in separate planes parallel to the first and second walls, the first electrode (4) being at a potential V0 higher than the potential V1 of the second electrode, and the first electrode being arranged in the internal space and closer to the first dielectric wall than the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Guillaume Auday, Laurent Joulaud, Jingwei Zhang, Philippe Guillot, Philippe Belenguer
  • Publication number: 20100118520
    Abstract: An illuminated mirror includes a central reflective mirror portion and a surrounding transmissive portion supported to a housing. Spacing between an outer diameter of the transmissive portion and the housing allows airflow to exit from the housing. A chamber behind the mirror surface may comprise a dish reflector surface. In one form, the dish reflector comprises a white enamel surface. Lamps, which may comprise LEDs, are mounted to the reflector surface. The LED lamps may be placed in a pattern on the reflector surface. Circuitry may be provided to illuminate either all or selected ones of the LEDs. Lamps of selected colors may be provided. Preselected combinations of lamp illumination vary the level and composite color of illumination. In order to enhance the comfort of a user, a fan may be positioned in the housing behind the reflector. A cooling device may cool airflow from the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Stern, Patricia Stern
  • Patent number: 7677775
    Abstract: An external rearview mirror assembly is designed for a motor vehicle. The external rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing. A mirror glass carrier is operatively connected to the mirror housing. A piece of mirror glass is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier and is movable with respect to the mirror housing. The mirror glass defines a peripheral edge. An attaching part is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier wherein the attachment part extends about a portion of the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Roland Oehmann
  • Publication number: 20100019699
    Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a clip-on mirror accessory for laptop computers. The present invention in several embodiments is a rotatable mirror device that can be easily affixed to the screen of a laptop to easily view one's face and surroundings. This device can assist users in viewing the area behind their back while typing. This can be especially beneficial for users that may be working on confidential materials. The present invention can also assist users in checking their hair, makeup and teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: JOHN RAY MCBRIDE, Cherilyn Korth
  • Patent number: 7621651
    Abstract: A decorative picture mirror is provided. The picture mirror includes a smooth mirror surface. A coating layer is provided on a back portion of the mirror surface, wherein the coating layer covers a select local part of the backside of the mirror surface leaving an uncovered portion of the backside of the mirror surface. A medium including a graphic pattern is connected to the backside of the mirror surface, wherein the graphic pattern substantially fully covers the uncovered portion of the backside of the mirror surface, whereby the coating layer and the graphic pattern form substantially continuous coverage on the select local part of the backside of the mirror surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: World Fancy Limited
    Inventors: Po Kwok Chan, Chung Ki Yim
  • Publication number: 20090257218
    Abstract: A backlit mirror assembly comprises a mirror, a lamp chamber, and a prop. The mirror is pivotally coupled to the lamp chamber so that it may be tilted outwardly, thereby allowing access to electrical components housed within the lamp chamber. A prop maintains the mirror in an open position. In one embodiment, the prop incorporates a gas spring to facilitate lifting of the mirror by a sole user. The mirror may be coupled to a rigid frame in order to strengthen the mirror, thereby reducing flexing of the mirror and hazards associated with such flexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Daryl D. Sullivan, Robert Harney
  • Publication number: 20090067161
    Abstract: A cosmetic mirror is provided with light-emitting elements between an upper cover or lower cover and a mirror body, so that a light source can be illuminated uniformly and concentrated on the mirror surface. The cosmetic mirror is provided with a USB port terminal. When the USB port terminal is connected to an electronic apparatus which is capable of providing a power supply, the electricity is obtained and transmitted to the light-emitting element, thereby causing the emission of light. Further, the upper cover or lower cover can be provided with a USB insertion slot terminal for being connected with other digital elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: SANYEI CORPORATION (TAIWAN) LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Nagata
  • Patent number: 7484878
    Abstract: A vanity-lighting system for providing light to a reflective surface for the application and removal of cosmetics. The system includes multiple segments. Each segment including at least one light fixture, a mounting device for affixing the segment to a surface, and connectors that allow each segment to be connected to adjoining segments. The system is affixed to a wall by first connecting the adjoining segments in the desired geometric shape and then affixing the connected segments to a surface. Preferably, the surface is proximate a mirror or other reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Albert McCole
  • Patent number: 7481548
    Abstract: To provide a portable case capable of whatever and wherever radiating various multiple types of light on skin to vary the hue of the skin in making up or wearing an ornament and enabling the variation of the hue of the skin to be viewed in a mirror. A compact in which the mirror for reflecting skin is installed on a cover body for opening and closing a case body including a storage part, comprising a light source part capable of radiating multiple types of light toward the skin to vary the hue of the skin, a battery for powering the light source part, and a selector switch for switching the type of the light emitted from the light source part. The portable case further comprises a slide switch as a light control means for controlling the brightness of the light emitted from the light source part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Yoshida Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Tokushita
  • Patent number: 7416319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device for vanity mirrors of motor vehicle sun visors. The illumination device does not use cables as conducting elements nor external mechanical elements such as switches, simplifying the assembly operations. A conducting laminar element performs all of these functions: in addition to being the conducting means it acts as a switch for the device. This device is actuated by a cover that covers the mirror and is operated at the user's will. The device is characterised in that it is only illuminated in one position, in which the cover is not covering the mirror and the visor is in a shading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingeniera, S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Richard, Vincent Bernard
  • Patent number: 7354171
    Abstract: A new lighting fixture is provided for illuminating a mirror or the like while creating the impression and feel of multiple swag lamps suspended on each side of the mirror. The fixture includes a pair of side lamp assemblies each of which is suspended from a corresponding support arm projecting from a mounting assembly positioned above and at the approximate center of the mirror. To provide compact shipping and easy assembly in the field, the side lamp assemblies are suspended by carrier links which are attached to their associated support arms by quick-fit non-screw unions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The L.D. Kichler Co.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Pazula, Joseph John Janos
  • Patent number: 7329016
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a foot inspection mirror and, more particularly, to a foot inspection device comprised of an assembly of mirrors positioned in such an array so as to assist diabetics and other users in visually self-inspecting all sides of an illuminated foot without unnecessary standing or maneuvering. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Helen Shonk
  • Patent number: 7328103
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element. An information display is at the interior rearview mirror assembly and displays information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The information display may be located behind the reflective element and viewable through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The mirror system includes a handheld device having a position locator and being capable of establishing a geographical position of the handheld device. The information displayed by the information display is derived at least in part via a wireless communication link with the handheld device. The information display may include a display of turn-by-turn information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. The information display may comprise a video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C McCarthy, Eugenie V Uhlmann, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7300169
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a viewing system having an upright member, a first mirror coupled to the upright member, a light source coupled to the upright member, and a retractable mirror assembly coupled to the upright member. The retractable mirror assembly includes a horizontal support coupled on one end to the upright member, an adjustable vertical support coupled on one end to the other end of the horizontal support, and a second mirror coupled to the other end of the adjustable vertical support. A user can adjust the position of the second mirror by retracting or extending the adjustable vertical support. The system can include a remote control or a control switch coupled to the adjustable vertical support to control the extension and retraction of the adjustable vertical support. The second mirror can be foldable to allow for multiple viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chi Yau Yue
  • Publication number: 20070268685
    Abstract: The invention is a warning or information system which has a flat curved mirror; flat mirror, half dome, full dome or any shape semi transparent mirror with a means to activate the warning or information mirror system,. The system has a signal transfer means, a warning or information light placed behind the mirror. Illumination from that warning or information light passes through the mirror to warn or provide information to the client. A detection means transfers information through a signal transfer means which activates the warning or information light behind the transparent mirror. A timing device deactivates said warning light after a preset time interval or the device is deactivated when the stimulus for the activation means exits the area. Optionally, an auditory alarm is activated by the signal transfer means to complement the visual display. The visual display may be a programmable scrolling message board with a message such as “Forklift Approaching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: David A. Fossier, William Chernick
  • Patent number: 7222977
    Abstract: A combination mirror and amusement system for entertaining and amusing a child in a vehicle. A mirror assembly attachable to a vehicle seat includes a mirror and a frame surrounding the mirror. The frame has at least one ornamented portion and at least one appearing character portion. The appearing character portion in turn includes a sheet of plastic film having a visible front side and a reverse side. The sheet of plastic film has the characteristic of a “one-way” mirror which appears as a mirrored surface on the front side in the absence of illumination from the reverse side. A character image is printed on the reverse side A lamp behind the reverse side renders the character image visible from said front side when illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Blue Ridge International Products Company
    Inventor: Sandra M. Darling
  • Patent number: 7217017
    Abstract: A vanity is disclosed having a mirror and a light source adjacent the mirror to illuminate an object to be viewed in the mirror. A cover panel is coupled adjacent to the light source for movement to an open position to reveal the mirror and a closed position to conceal the mirror. The vanity includes a switch device to activate and deactivate the light source and a positioning device to maintain the cover panel in the open or closed position. The switch device and the positioning device cooperate to activate the light source when the cover panel is in the open position and to deactivate the light source when the cover panel is not in the open position. The cover panel is configured for rotational movement between the open and closed position in a plane generally parallel to a plane of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Nels R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7152991
    Abstract: A make up station provides even illumination for a performer's face while minimizing glare and distracting reflections. The make up station is modular to allow the easy assembly of multiple make up stations partially sharing common lighting between adjacent stations. Light rays emanating from the forward most edge of a light source are blocked by a raised trim or reflected from the mirror surface in a direction so that they do not impinge on the user's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Jines, Michael Smedstad, Steven E. Wiese
  • Patent number: 7140756
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with the rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7140755
    Abstract: A security lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The assembly includes a reflective element and an actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The assembly further including a floodlight comprising a light source and projecting a pattern of light from the assembly on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when the assembly is mounted to the side of the vehicle and when the light source is actuated. A control system is included, including radio frequency receiving circuitry in the vehicle and a remote transmitter. The remote transmitter may be a transmitting device carried by a vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
  • Patent number: 7104676
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces; an electromagnetic radiation emitter for emitting visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation and which is borne by the second surface of the reflective substrate; and a light channeling assembly positioned near the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which directs the emitted visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation in a direction where it may be viewed from a location which is forward of one of the first and/or second surfaces of the reflective substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 7086750
    Abstract: A message system having a wall with opposite first and second sides. The wall has at least one of (a) a mirrored surface which is capable of producing a discernible, reflective image of an object placed at the first side of the wall, and (b) a blocking surface which substantially obstructs viewing of an object at the second side of the wall through the wall from the first side of the wall. The message system further includes a message generator capable of making a message viewable from the first side of the wall through at least a part of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, Terrance J. Surma, David A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7048406
    Abstract: A mirror device includes one or more light devices disposed behind a mirror, to generate lights to light the mirror. A remote detecting device may be used to detect whether one or more users go toward or go close to the mirror or not, and to actuate the light device to generate the lights when the users are detected to go toward the mirror. The light device may thus be actuated to light the mirror without being contacted by the users or without being operated by the users manually. A control device may be used to actuate the light device to generate the light. The remote detecting device includes a light emitting device to generate a light to detect whether the user goes toward the mirror or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Sen Tien Shih
  • Patent number: 7044616
    Abstract: A solar powered warning light device includes a housing having a front orifice, a solar panel disposed on top of the housing to receive solar energy, a circuit board disposed in the housing and having a converting device coupled to the solar panel, to receive and to convert the solar energy into electric energy and stored in one or more capacitors. The circuit board includes one or more light devices coupled to and energized by the capacitor, and engaged in the orifice of the housing, to emit light out of the housing. A switch may switch on and off the light device, and a photoactive member is coupled to the electric switch, to operate the electric switch by the light of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Yi Cyuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7008089
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo
  • Patent number: 6991340
    Abstract: A device for reflecting an image to a user's eyes that includes a viewing member having an interior mirror positioned in angled alignment with the user's eye; and an exterior mirror positioned in spaced alignment to the interior mirror. The exterior mirror is adjustable with respect to the interior mirror. The device further includes a pair of interior mirrors positioned in angled alignment to the user's eyes; and a pair of exterior mirrors in spaced alignment to the interior mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Ray Theodore Townsend, Jr., Liansuo Xie
  • Patent number: 6971775
    Abstract: A light module for an interior rearview mirror assembly is positionable at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module includes an illumination source, a housing generally surrounding the illumination source, and a cover generally encasing the illumination source within the housing. The light module includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting the light module to an electrical conductor of the mirror assembly when the light module is positioned at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module may include a user actuatable input for activating and deactivating the illumination source. The electrical connector may comprise conductive elements that are molded within a polymeric housing. The conductive elements may include light contacts for electrically contacting the illumination source and may be configured to support the illumination source. The illumination source may comprise a festoon light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, John O. Lindahl, Rick Mousseau
  • Patent number: 6886971
    Abstract: A headup display having an image forming unit 1 f or forming an item of image information to be displayed that can be projected as light beams 2 by the image forming unit 1 or via an optical projection system onto a partially reflecting windshield pane 7. The image forming unit 1 has an OLED display 8 for forming the image information displayed, in front of which there is arranged a light directing element 14 by which the light beams 2 produced by the OLED display 8 can be directed approximately parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Bernhard Abel, Heinrich Noll
  • Patent number: 6877888
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element for viewing by a user of the mirror assembly, a lip formed from moldable polymeric resin selected to expand sufficiently when heated to allow snap in insertion of the reflective mirror element while the lip is warm and flexable, a carrier located to the rear of the reflective element such that the carrier is closer to a windshield of the vehicle than the mirror element when the mirror element is mounted in the vehicle, at least one electrical accessory, and an electrical connector adapted to receive a connector from the vehicle electrical system with the electrical accessory connected to the electrical connector. Preferably, the electrical accessory is supported by the carrier and is selected from a variety of electrical devices, lamps, lights, sensors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6848817
    Abstract: Illumination of a portion of a vehicle interior is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a solid-state light source comprising a light emitting diode (LED) which emits light generally downwardly from the assembly. In one form of the invention, the mirror case of the rearview mirror assembly includes at least one of an opening, a light conduit, and a fiberoptic element through which the LED emits light. In another form, the LED preferably has a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA. The LED preferably has a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm. The light emitted by the LED may be selected from green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue. The vehicle interior portion may include at least one of a shift lever console and a floor console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventors: Brent J. Bos, Stephen J. Forbes, Roger L. Veldman
  • Patent number: 6832848
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly that is adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflectance element that is moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of the reflectance element. The mirror system further includes a turn signal light assembly, which is fixedly mounted in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the reflectance element whereby movement of the reflectance element is independent of the turn signal light assembly. The turn signal light assembly comprises a light source and radiates light from the light source at least along a light-radiating axis that extends generally rearwardly away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle when operated on the vehicle. In one form, the turn signal assembly includes at least one louver, which is configured to shield the driver from light radiated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Todd W. Pastrick
  • Patent number: 6764207
    Abstract: A mirror head assembly for mounting adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The mirror head assembly includes one or more mirrors that enable a person to view areas surrounding the vehicle that the person could not easily view via a direct line of site. One or more lights are mounted to an outer shell of the mirror head assembly. The outer shell of the mirror head assembly may be constructed with a narrow portion disposed between adjacent mirrors so that the mirror head assembly presents less obstruction to the view of persons in the vehicle of areas surrounding the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Santiago C. Abalos, William R. Headlee
  • Patent number: 6749325
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the reflective substrate simultaneously reflects visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which are borne by the second surface and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a reflector is borne by the second surface and which directs the electromagnetic radiation emitted by some of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may pass through the reflective substrate and be viewed from a location forward of the first surface, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a remainder of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may be viewed from a location forward of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 6742917
    Abstract: Vanity mirrors are provided with a body base member having a mirror, and an illumination member detachably mounted to the body base member. The illumination member includes a lens plate and an elongate lamp tube having one and another terminal ends between which electrical current may pass to illuminate the lamp, and thus the mirror. The illumination member is provided with a planar base plate having a pair of spaced-apart base contact terminals adapted to being connected to lamp circuit leads through which electrical current may be supplied to the lamp tube. The lamp tube is positioned on an upper side of the base plate and has one terminal end thereof soldered to one of the base contact terminals. A contact piece is positioned on the upper side of the base plate and has an end thereof soldered to the other terminal end of the lamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN T
    Inventors: Hirofumi Okano, Tetsuo Mochida
  • Patent number: 6717732
    Abstract: A vehicle rear-view mirror has a light-transmitting filtering layer for filtering out interfering fractions of the light entering the filtering layer in the yellow spectral range. The mirror includes an interference reflector which has a plurality of thin layers for the reflection of the light impinging on the mirror. The degree of reflection of the interference reflector is less in the yellow spectral range than in the green and/or red wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Meyr, Joseph Laux, Helmut Piringer
  • Patent number: 6709136
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is movable about the fixed portion for breakaway motion, and a turn signal indicator module. The turn signal indicator module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least a portion of the light pattern projected from the module projects rearwardly of the vehicle, but does not directly intercept the driver of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator module is fixedly included in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the mirror assembly's reflective element, which is adjustable within the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Mark R. Litke, David K. Willmore, Rick Mousseau