Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a support arm pivotally connected to a base assembly attached to the vehicle. The pivot connection comprises an assembly of rotating plates separated by ball bearings and operated by a powerfold assembly. During normal operation of the mirror system, the ball bearings remained seated in bearing seats to enable the plates to rotate as a single unit when the powerfold assembly is actuated. However, manual folding or unfolding of the mirror system urges the ball bearings out of their bearing seats to travel along a raceway in one of the plates to facilitate the rotation of the plates relative to each other.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a support arm pivotally connected to a base assembly attached to the vehicle. The pivot connection comprises an assembly of rotating plates separated by ball bearings and operated by a powerfold assembly. During normal operation of the mirror system, the ball bearings remained seated in bearing seats to enable the plates to rotate as a single unit when the powerfold assembly is actuated. However, manual folding or unfolding of the mirror system urges the ball bearings out of their bearing seats to travel along a raceway in one of the plates to facilitate the rotation of the plates relative to each other.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a motor vehicle comprises an internal frame supporting a reflective element and a motorized tilt actuator assembly for adjusting the reflective element about perpendicular axes. The reflective element is attached to the internal frame through a pivot connection. A positional memory module comprising a separate assembly is supported by the internal frame adjacent the pivot connection for electrically determining the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element at a selected position as a change in voltage through a pair of simple electrical circuits. The reflective element can be returned to the selected position by adjusting the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element according to the changes in voltage.

Abstract: A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assembly includes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the friction within the mechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motor when the limits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror power functions receive electrical power and control signals through a circular array of electrical contacts incorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientation of the mirror. A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predetermined period of time. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror between the retracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for a driver of the vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror from undesirably repositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external rearview mirror having an illumination source capable of illuminating various portions of an vehicle and the surrounding area depending upon the operational status of the vehicle. The illumination source is adjustable to selectively illuminate predetermined areas of the vehicle and the surrounding area. Two sets of light-emitting diodes of selected colors can be arranged and controlled so that the first set of LEDs can be selectively illuminated as a turn signal indicator, and the first set and second set can be selectively illuminated so that the combined illumination forms a white light suitable for illumination, such as a “puddle light” or backup light.

Abstract: A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assembly includes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the friction within the mechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motor when the limits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror power functions receive electrical power and control signals through a circular array of electrical contacts incorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientation of the mirror. A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predetermined period of time. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror between the retracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for a driver of the vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror from undesirably repositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.