Abstract: A rearview mirror arrangement for vehicles, in particular for utility vehicles, is disclosed which includes a mirror carrier plate 1 on which a mirror pane 11 is affixed, an adjusting unit 2 that can be attached directly to a vehicle-mounted, mirror support 4. A platform unit 22 capable of motorized rotation 23, 24 relative to a base unit 21 about at least one axis, is attached directly to the adjusting unit and a housing 3. The mirror carrier plate, as well as the housing, is thus attached directly to the platform unit and rotates with the platform unit.

Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle mirror is provided. The light assembly in one aspect has a light directing arrangement attached to a transparent pane, which directs a light beam into a specified zone, controls a color of the light beam and controls an intensity of the light. In another aspect, a pane is provided having similar attributes and a water drain and drip edge.

Abstract: A camera assembly for a driver cab of a large vehicle is disclosed for monitoring a front dead angle zone extending in front of and laterally across the driver cab, the camera assembly comprises a display monitor carried within the driver cab; and a camera in communication with the display monitor for monitoring the dead angle zones. A support arm has a first arm and a second arm. The camera is mounted to the first arm of the support arm, and the second arm of the support arm being affixed to the driver cab. An adjustable joint connects the first and second arms so that the first arm may be moved to adjust the viewing position of the camera and the camera may be positioned properly for monitoring the dead angle zone.

Abstract: A mirror support plate for use with vehicles, which can be attached to a holder by way of a chucking and sliding connection. The support plate is provided with two ridges which protrude from its back and include at least one projection which extends towards the other ridge in such manner that the border region of the holder can be inserted between the back of the holder and the projections. The mirror support plate includes a first elastic element and second elastic element, which function as upper and lower elements. The elastic elements are designed so that as the holder is inserted, it elastically deforms the lower one of the first and second elastic elements towards the back of the mirror support plate allowing outer edges of the holder to move into frictional contact with the projections and the back of the support plate and its upper end into interlocking contact with the upper of the first and second elastic elements.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting signals in a vehicle, comprising a sensor that generates sensor signals, an information display device that receives the sensor signals and a transmission conduit through which the sensor signals are transmitted. The transmission conduit comprises transmission line that may be dedicated for purposes other than transmitting the sensor signals, modulator, demodulator and control device. When the sensor is actuated, the control device acts to detect the presence of current in the transmission line and if present, actuates the modulator thus, modulating the sensor signals prior to their transmission via the transmission line. Simultaneously, the control device actuates the demodulator for demodulating the modulated sensor signals prior to their transmission to the information display device.

Abstract: A mobile wireless camera system for commercial vehicles allowing the driver of the commercial vehicle to see areas surrounding the commercial vehicle using first and second cameras connected to first and second camera transceivers for capturing images and transmitting a first and second image signals representing the captured images. The system uses a controller in communication with a control transceiver for setting an ID code in each camera and for selecting a camera for viewing. The camera transceivers transmit the ID code along with the image signals. The controller uses an ID code recognition unit for identifying whether the ID code is the ID code of the selected camera. The controllers allows transmission of images if the received ID code and the ID code of the selected camera are the same.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a vehicle having a functional device, control apparatus, and a mode switch located in a mirror housing is provided. An activation device is provided to activate the mode switch for maintenance of the functional device. Various embodiments and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A maneuvering aid for a vehicle is provided which has a detector and an information provider in wireless communication with each other. The detector and the information provider are synchronized upon the start of the vehicle, a reversing operation or the like to monitor the area about the vehicle and alert a driver of the vehicle of an obstacle near the vehicle. The detector is portable for use with multiple trailers that are attachable to the vehicle such that the information provider and detector remain in wireless communication.

Abstract: A heatable external rearview mirror including a mirror housing for attachment to the vehicle and a mirror pane with a reflecting surface carried in the housing. A heating element is located adjacent the mirror pane for heating the pane to remove precipitation. A thermochromic heating indicator is provided in heat conducting contact with at least one of the heating element and the mirror pane that reacts to temperature changes for detecting heating of the mirror pane by the heating element and providing a visual indication of the operation of the heating element.

Abstract: A mounting plate for attaching a vehicle mirror assembly to a non-uniform surface of a vehicle body. The plate has an installation side for engaging the vehicle body, and a component side opposite the installation side for carrying components of the mirror assembly. A plurality of contact footings are laterally spaced on the installation side of the plate. Each of the contact footings has a bearing surface protruding beyond a surface plane of the installation side for bearing against the vehicle body when the plate is mounted so that a stable engagement is provided between the plate and the vehicle body on non-uniform surfaces.

Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.

Abstract: The invention is a mirror arrangement for commercial vehicles. The mirror arrangement comprises a mirror foot adapted for permanent attachment to an associated commercial vehicle and a mirror head attached to the mirror foot. The mirror head comprises a housing, a mirror pane carried by the housing for providing a view of the area behind the mirror arrangement, and a connector disposed between the mirror foot and the mirror head for connecting the mirror foot to the mirror head. The mirror foot comprises a support arm disposed between the connector and an associated vehicle for providing support to the mirror arrangement. The mirror foot also comprises a mounting bracket adapted for permanent attachment to an associated vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for manufacturing injection molded parts comprising an injection molding mold, at least one molten mass of synthetic material, at least one injection opening defined by the injection mold for first receiving a first fluid under overpressure, and secondly, receiving a second fluid under overpressure; and, for injecting the first fluid into the injection mold to form at least one cavity surrounded by at least one molten mass of synthetic material and injecting the second fluid into at least one cavity so that the wall thickness of the molten mass is reduced thereby reducing the wall thickness of the injection molded part.

Abstract: A hip protecting device for minimizing risk of hip breakage upon a fall having a belt from which one or two gas inflatable pockets are suspended substantially over the hip joint or hip joints of a wearer. The hip protecting device further has a means for detecting rate and degree of attitudinal changes of the wearer, a microprocessor and inflation means. Upon detection of both a rate and degree of change in attitude of the wearer outside certain preprogrammed limits, the microprocessor sends a signal to the inflation means thereby causing the pocket or pockets to inflate and cushion the hips from the fall.

Abstract: A support arm for a vehicle mirror having at least one mirror head with a mirror pane which includes an upper holding arm (1) made of plastic with an anchoring element (2) for mounting on a vehicle, and a lower holding arm (3) made of plastic with an anchoring element (4) at the bottom for mounting on a vehicle. A one-piece base (6) includes a metal tube (5) whose top or, as the case may be, bottom end is securely connected with the upper and lower holding arm, respectively. The base can also be built in the form of a base plate. In this case, the base has a removable positioning wedge (7) that can be removed from the base to change the angle of at least one mirror pane and/or mirror head carried by the base. The positioning wedge is attached to provide an exterior driver-side rear view mirror, and is removed to provide a passenger-side rear view mirror.

Abstract: A means of wireless data transmission between a tractor and a trailer using a data transfer system having a first communication unit that is installed on the front of the trailer and a second communication unit that is installed on the rear of the tractor cab. Both communication units on a coupled tractor-trailer are located facing each other across a hitching space between the tractor and trailer to define a communication gap over which data is wirelessly transmitted. A notification device is carried by the tractor and operatively connected to the second communication unit. At least one data collector is carried by the trailer and operatively connected to the first communication unit. Accordingly, the driver is provided with information through the notification device from the data collector by way of the first and second communication unit, which wirelessly transmit the data between the tractor and trailer.

Abstract: A fillable rearview mirror assembly and method of molding a carrier for the assembly are provided. The mirror assembly has a hollow carrier that can be at least partially filled with a material having a density different than that of the carrier. A mirror can be attached to the carrier and the carrier attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a holding component configured to attach to the vehicle, a first clamping part configured to attach to the holding component and a second clamping part configured to attach to the holding component disposed opposite of the first clamping part. The second clamping part is further configured to fastenably hold a mirror. A first connection element is carried by one of said first and second clamping parts; and a second connection element is carried by the other of the first and second clamping parts. The first and second elements are connectable to secure the first clamping part and the second clamping part together. The first and second clamping parts have a recess, and the recesses generally encase the holding component.

Abstract: A rearview mirror arrangement for vehicles, in particular for utility vehicles, is disclosed which includes a mirror carrier plate 1 on which a mirror pane 11 is affixed, an adjusting unit 2 that can be attached directly to a vehicle-mounted, mirror support 4. A platform unit 22 capable of motorized rotation 23, 24 relative to a base unit 21 about at least one axis, is attached directly to the adjusting unit and a housing 3. The mirror carrier plate, as well as the housing, is thus attached directly to the platform unit and rotates with the platform unit.