Abstract: A minor parking mechanism for an exterior rear view mirror that rotates a mirror head to a parked position. The mechanism has a mirror mounting bracket, a mirror head pivotally connected to the mirror mounting bracket so the mirror head can rotate from a deployed position to a parked position. A detent acting between the mirror mounting bracket and the mirror head to lock and unlock the mirror head. A spring acts against and locks the detent in position. A worm drive in the mirror head moves longitudinally along a shaft and rotates about an axis to act against the spring, which in turn reduces the spring force applied to the detent to enable it to disengage whereupon continued rotation of the worm drive causes the mirror head to rotate.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a cogeneration unit, the cogeneration unit including a heat engine and an alternator, driven by the heat engine, which generates AC electricity for an electrical load. The control system includes a parameter sensing means for sensing one or more parameters, and providing a sensed parameter value for each sensed parameter. For each sensed parameter, a comparator means compares the sensed parameter value with a respective desired value and provides an error signal according to the difference between the sensed parameter value and the desired value. One or more controlling means use the one or more of the error signals to provide a plurality of control signals, such that each control signal is able to regulate one or more of the controlling characteristics of the alternator and a temperature of a body heated using energy from the cogeneration unit.

Abstract: A control system for a cogeneration unit, the cogeneration unit including a heat engine and an alternator, driven by the heat engine, which generates AC electricity for an electrical load. The control system includes a parameter sensing means for sensing one or more parameters, and providing a sensed parameter value for each sensed parameter. For each sensed parameter, a comparator means compares the sensed parameter value with a respective desired value and provides an error signal according to the difference between the sensed parameter value and the desired value. One or more controlling means use the one or more of the error signals to provide a plurality of control signals, such that each control signal is able to regulate one or more of the controlling characteristics of the alternator and a temperature of a body heated using energy from the cogeneration unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retraction and extension mechanism for extending or retracting a set of telescopic supports that connect a mirror head (10) to a mirror mounting bracket (11). It comprises a mirror mounting bracket (11) with a first tube (18) projecting from the mounting bracket (11). The mirror head (10) has a support (19) projecting from it that locates into and slides back and forth within the first tube (18). A roller (34) is mounting with respect to the support (19) and cable (29) is attached at one end with respect to the first tube (18) and a point between the roller (34) and the mirror head (10). It extends to and around the roller (34) and into the mirror head (10). The other end of the cable (29) extends into and is attached with respect to the first tube (18). A capstan (31) is located within the mirror head (10) and engages the cable (29).

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.

Abstract: This invention describes a mirror operating mechanism for rotating a mirror head from a deployed position to a parked position. The mirror head (12) is mounted to a mirror mounting bracket (10) via a spigot (11) on the mounting bracket. The mirror head (12) is supported on a mounting bracket (10) for rotation with respect to the spigot (11). At least one detent (17) is placed between the mirror mounting bracket (10) and the mirror head (12) to hold the mirror head (12) in the required position. Resilient means (23) acts between the mirror mounting bracket (10) and the mirror head (12) with respect to the detent (17) so that the detents (17) are held in engaged positions. Drive means is operatively coupled to the spigot (11) to cause the mirror head (12) to rotate with respect to the spigot (11). The drive means includes an actuator (56, 50 or 92) that is moved upon initial operation of the drive means while the detents (17) resist rotation of the mirror head (12).

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.