Abstract: A vibration-stabilized rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a reflective mirror element pivotally mounted in a mirror housing with at least one vibration stabilizer slidably mounted on and biased outwardly beyond the perimeter edge of the mirror element to engage the inside of the housing and to dampen and reduce vibration of the mirror element. Preferably, two stabilizers are slidably mounted parallel to the mirror element at spaced locations and are engaged by a single spring which equalizes the spring force on both stabilizers. Stop surfaces limit extension of the stabilizers.

Abstract: A carrier module is disclosed for supporting lights for illuminating portions of a vehicle interior, instruments such as directional compasses or the like, and controls such as switches or instrument adjustment units. The carrier modules may be mounted in housings on the vehicle interior. Each module preferably includes a rigid body or support and a pair of spaced mounting projections thereon for removably mounting the carrier module in a housing or other support. One of the mounting projections is resilient. An opening is provided in the body adjacent the resilient projection to allow insertion of a tool for releasing the module from the housing or support.

Abstract: A case assembly for vehicular rearview mirrors adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, instruments such as directional compasses or the like, and controls such as switches or instrument adjustment units. The case includes one, and preferably two, spaced, removable carrier modules fitted generally flush with the bottom of the mirror case. The carrier modules may include varying combinations of light assemblies for map reading, courtesy or console illumination, switches, and controls for compasses, clocks, electronic or other instruments. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with brighter, targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror and light assembly which provides map and/or courtesy lighting for the vehicle interior. One or more separate housings are removably secured to the back of the mirror case and support one or more light assemblies within the space interior of the mirror case through one or more openings in back. Each assembly may include one or more light sources. A reflector/heat sink and/or a light directing lens are optionally included. Preferably, when mounted in a typical rearview mirror position adjacent a windshield, light is directed downwardly and laterally outwardly of either end of the assembly, toward the driver and front seat passenger and laterally inwardly toward the center or console area between the driver and passenger. Lighting of the instrument panel and glare in the driver's eyes are avoided or minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing an optical element sample such as a mirror simultaneously and substantially instantaneously both for the total amount of light reflected from and the total amount of light transmitted by a predetermined area of that sample. The apparatus includes a pair of axially aligned light-integrating spheres between which is clamped the test sample so that no light enters or escapes from either sphere. A preferably optically regulated, substantially collimated beam of light is directed through one sphere against the test sample at an angle to the sphere axis. Silicon photo-voltaic light sensitive detectors connected to amplified readout units indicate the total light reflectivity in one sphere and the total light transmission to the other sphere.