Abstract: A variable reflectivity automobile mirror assembly is operable by automatic electrical circuitry responsive to variations of incident light upon the mirror and ambient light level about the automobile to provide positions of high and low reflectivity. The assembly also includes a support member or housing, a reflective mirror panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing and driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. the automatic circuitry can include photosensing means and means to combine the output of the photosensing means and to compare it to an independent source. The circuit can position the mirror in response to the output of the comparing means.

Abstract: An improved interior lighting system for use in an automobile incorporates a traditional manual switch and door switch for turning the interior light of the automobile on and off, and provides circuitry for causing the interior light to rise transiently to a maximum level when activated to turn on and for causing the interior light to decay transiently to a minimum level when activated to turn off. Circuitry is also provided to automatically turn off the interior light after a predetermined time lapses from the interior light being manually activated by the manual switch, when the ignition to the automobile is turned off. The lighting system also includes circuitry to cause the interior light to remain on for a predetermined time after the door of the automobile is opened, and circuitry to override the predetermined time delay when the ignition of the automobile is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variable reflectivity mirror assembly to provide positions of high and low reflectivity which includes a support member or housing, a reflective panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing for driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. The present invention also includes a mechanism for actuating the mirror as well as the motor drive circuit and the push-button assembly for actuating the mirror.

Abstract: A sensing and adjustment assembly for a mirror on automobiles has a sensor comprising an electronic oscillator which is associated with a mirror position indicator member. Movement and position of the mirror is detected by the sensor. A driving arrangement responds to the sensor to move the mirror to a preset position which position is stored in a computer memory. The oscillator can have a winding of spiral shape and the indicator can comprise material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy, such as steel, and can be of substantially tapered shape such as substantially conical. The member can be moved through a center passageway for the winding. The oscillator can be a Colpitts or other type. A differential amplifier, a converter from A.C. to D.C., and another amplifier can be part of the sensor. A pair of sensors and indicators can be used in conjunction with the drive means to move the mirror in two planes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid pressure by utilizing a plurality of resistor segments arranged in parallel in a normally opened electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced conductive plates and a compressible rubber-like pad interposed between the plates. The pad has a plurality of circular openings of differing diameters extending therethrough generally perpendicular to the conductive plates. A spherical contact element is located within each of the pad openings; and a respective resistor element is positioned to overly one end of each of the pad openings and to engage one of the conductive plates, the other of the conductive plates overlying the other end of each of the pad openings. The diameter of the spherical contact elements is less than the length of the pad openings so that under zero fluid pressure the contact elements do not simultaneously engage a respective resistor element and the second of the conductive plates, thereby defining a normally open circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for visually indicating when the pressure of a fluid, such as oil in an automobile, falls below a predetermined value. The improvement resides in a novel pressure switch which is typically connected in series in an electrical circuit with a power source and a visual indicator, such as a so-called "idiot light" in an automotive instrument panel. The pressure switch includes a housing with an internal recess and a fluid passageway extending from the internal recess for communication with a fluid under pressure. A resilient, flexible, elastomeric diaphragm overlies the passageway within the recess and is deflected in response to the fluid pressure. An annular, electrically conductive, stationary contact element is positioned adjacent to the diaphragm; and a spherical, electrically conductive contact element is biased by a coil spring toward the opening in the annular contact element and into engagement with the diaphragm.