Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an edge adapter for use with a spherically mounted retroreflector device for measuring the location of a measurement point on a first object surface of an object. The object has a second object surface with an edge interposed between the first and second object surfaces. The measurement point is positioned an offset distance from the edge. The retroreflector device has a spherical outer surface. The edge adapter is provided with an adapter body having at least two engagement points. The engagement points and the measurement point are cooperatively sized and configured to define a sphere of substantially the same radius as the spherical outer surface. The edge adapter is further provided with an adapter base attached to the adapter body. The adapter base has a base surface formed to engage the first object surface for supporting the edge adapter thereat.

Abstract: A movable mirror supporting mechanism for supporting a movable mirror forming a part of an interferometric measurement system and having a rectangular cross-section onto an object, with a reflecting surface of said movable mirror being arranged normal to a measuring direction. The movable mirror supporting mechanism includes at least two fixtures for securing the movable mirror from above onto respective movable mirror supporting portions provided on the object. Positions on the movable mirror at which the movable mirror is secured onto the measuring object by the fixtures are defined to be out of that area of the reflecting surface of the movable mirror which is utilized for interferometric measurement.

Abstract: Visual display monitors having a mirror providing a rear view are disclosed. The mirros include support structure to attach a reflective surface to the monitor such that the surface is rotatable while while maintaining a generally fixed orentation relative to the screen of the monitor. The mirror may include a case having front and rear portions rotatable relative to each other. The reflective surface may be rotatable within the front portion. Mirrors may be pivotally connected to monitors for some applications.

Abstract: A rear view mirror device for use with an elevated hunter platform is disclosed. The device includes a frame member retaining a mirror element on a front side. A back side of the frame member includes a rod receiving portion for receiving and retaining a top end of a flexible rod. A bottom end of the flexible rod attaches by a screw and wing nut to a center portion of a clamp. The clamp includes a pair of handles and a pair of fingers which are actuated by a spring disposed within the clamp center portion. To deploy the device, pressure is applied to the handles which opens the fingers. The device is then located to its desired position on the elevated hunter platform whereafter the pressure on the handles is released causing the fingers to engage a rail of the platform. The mirror element can then be positioned by rotating the device about a plurality of axises such that the hunter does not have to turn his head to see the area behind or to the side of his forward facing view.

Abstract: A positive-locking wall mounting combination has a wall mounting with a hollow cylindrical body having an outer mantle, an inner mantle, and a bottom. The bottom has a slotted hole having a length that is shorter than an inner diameter of an inner circular surface described by the inner mantle. The slotted hole has a longitudinal axis intercepting a center of the inner circular surface. The outer mantle has an upper end and a lip connected to the upper end. The lip extends annularly about the outer mantle. An L-shaped support member is positive-lockingly inserted into the slotted hole.

Abstract: A recycled tire supporting frame member for supporting and mounting a plurality of devices having a substantially round configuration having an outer surface, an inner surface, an outer rim, an inner rim, and a tire bead affixed to the inner rim. At least one anchor affixed to the inner surface of said member, and the round configuration having a substantially round opening at the center. A multiplicity of devices is affixed to the central opening such as a clock, a mirror, a picture, a bubble chamber, and others.

Abstract: A compliant mirror mounting system for holding a mirror may comprise a frame having first, second, and third mounting points thereon for receiving the mirror. The first, second, and third mounting points of the frame define a mounting plane containing an X-axis and a Y-axis of an orthogonal X-Y-Z coordinate system, wherein the first and second mounting points are located a spaced distance part along the X-axis. A first spring clip positioned adjacent the first mounting point holds the mirror against the first mounting point and forms a first Y-axis barrier which prevents a first end of the mirror from moving along the Y-axis by a distance that exceeds a Y-axis tolerance. A second spring clip positioned adjacent the second mounting point holds the mirror against the second mounting point and forms a second Y-axis barrier which prevents a second end of the mirror from moving along the Y-axis by a distance that exceeds the Y-axis tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilting device that makes it possible to tilt around at least one axis, with a tilting member, a base member, and an elongated holding device arranged beneath the tilting member. At least two stabilizing members, of rectangular shape, are installed, offset from each other, on the base member. Connecting members between the holding device and the stabilizing members engage the holding device at different heights. During movement of at least one stabilizing member, at least another stabilizing member remains rigidly fixed at one location.

Abstract: A device that provides automatic, in situ, continuously adjustable mounting of an item on a vertical support, comprising a first portion affixed to the vertical support, and a second portion that fixedly or releasably engages with the first portion and fixedly attaches to or is incorporated in the reverse side of the item. One or both of the two portions is formed to allow automatic, in situ, continuous vertical adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion, and one or both portions may also be formed to allow horizontal adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion. Also, a device for horizontally extending the available range of mounting positions for items that need to be supported by a stud.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A new device for viewing the soles of feet for observing the plantar aspect (sole portion) of both feet during normal weight bearing while standing. The inventive device includes a box member with a mirror member within its interior space. The box member has a substantially transparent top panel on which a person's feet are placed on and a front opening into the interior space through which the upper reflective surface is viewable so that the reflected image of the soles of the feet may be seen and examined.

Abstract: A combination rearward viewing and wind gauge comprising a base member having a plurality of mounting holes and being conformable to the shape of a substantially rigid underlying support surface, an elongated shaft for supporting a holder for at least one mirror and a flexible line for determining wind direction and movement, the elongated shaft being substantially perpendicular to an outer facing surface of the base member and attached to the base member and to the holder for the at least one mirror being attached to the elongated shaft at its distal end. The elongated shaft is bendable over its entire length to selected positions with the capability to remain in said selected positions.

Abstract: An article for attachment to a surface includes a base member and an attachment member for attachment to the surface. The base member includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a transverse axis. The attachment member includes a clip member which is capable of releasable engagement with the surface, and, a retaining member which retains the clip member in releasable securement with the base member in one of two separate alternative orientations relative to the transverse axis of the base member.

Abstract: A frame hanging tool which includes an elongated body member having a first side, a second side and a length. The frame hanging tool also has at least one level arranged on the elongated body member. The elongated body member has a plurality of fastener guides formed therein for receiving and guiding a plurality of fasteners. The at least one level indicating whether the plurality of fasteners are aligned level with respect to each other.

Abstract: An improved support for a telescope mirror using a system of three bars which are joined at their ends to the back of the mirror with compliant adhesive pads. Preferably, one end is joined to the center of the mirror while the others are joined on the circumference of a circle centered on the center of the mirror. In this preferred embodiment, there is an approximately right triangular relationship between the centers of the bars. The backs of the bars are coupled at their centers to mirror adjusting mechanisms by further compliant pads. The numbers of support points can be increased by coupling further bars or triangles between the circumferential support points of the original three bars and the back of the mirror. Again coupling is provided by compliant adhesive pads. The thickness and size of all pads are controlled to provide stiff support in compression and shear along with resilient support in bending.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system is disclosed in which standard micro-optical elements are initially mounted on respective one-piece frames which in turn may be secured in position on a mounting plate. Each frame has a platform to which at least three legs are flexurally joined along respective hinge axes. In one embodiment, the legs include corresponding spherical segments for point-contact with the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the legs include corresponding foot portions connected by a ball-joint for three-degrees of rotational freedom. The one-piece frames may be efficiently manufactured by laser beam cutting or punching a steel sheet. The proposed fastening system enables uni- or multi-dimensional layouts to be created using automatic placing and fastening technologies.

Abstract: A removable mounting unit for electrostatic mounting of a shelf or hook to a nonporous surface includes a sheet of electrostatic material having an opening to engage the shelf or hook and hold it to the non-porous surface. The removable mounting unit may also include only the electrostatic sheet used to mount a picture or flat object by sandwiching the object between the sheet and a non-porous surface, or by using slits cut into the sheet to hold the corners of the object. The shelf or hook may be directly fused or glued to the electrostatic sheet.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a polygon mirror on a rotating body includes a mirror seat formed in the rotating body for mounting the polygon mirror thereon and a fixing device for fixing the polygon mirror on the mirror seat. The mirror seat is formed on the periphery of the rotating body, and the polygon mirror includes in a top surface thereof an annular groove of a rectangular section at a position thereof a predetermined radius from the center of rotation of the rotating body. The fixing device comprises a planar ring-shaped anchoring member fixed to the rotating body and having along a peripheral portion thereof a plurality of downwardly extending conical or semispherical projections. The projections of the anchoring member engage with the annular groove in the polygon mirror and press against the upper edge of the inner periphery of the groove by point contact to thereby fix the polygon mirror in position.

Abstract: An optical alignment device comprised of two "H" shaped structures may be used to precisely position an optical element in two orthogonal directions. Each "H" shaped web structure includes two flanges extending from opposite ends of a center web having a centroidal flexure axis. The "H" shaped structures also each include an aperture extending through the flanges and the web. The center webs may be resiliently flexed, allowing the angle between the flanges of each "H" shaped structure to be adjusted by rotating screws fitted through one flange and threaded to the other. The "H" shaped structures are mounted together so that their flexure axes are orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and so that the apertures of each structure are aligned to form an optical path cavity.

Abstract: The structure of the invention serves to support mirrors defining a reflective channel, which can dynamically be reciprocally widened and narrowed, as in a two-beam interferometer. It is effectively divided, by pivot points on an intermedial axis, into two opposite portions of equal mass, thus affording to the structure immunization against translational forces transmitted through those points. The opposite portions also have their centers of gravity remotely located, so as to generate a counteracting torque in response to moments of rotational inertia transmitted through the pivot points. In the structure, integrally formed planar pieces are assembled to provide contiguous elongate elements and an interposed connecting web element, a plurality of which web elements produce a flexure joint.

Abstract: The structure serves to support any of various elements and objects, normally for translational movement. It is effectively divided, by pivot points on an intermedial axis, into two opposite portions of equal mass, thus affording to the structure immunization against translational forces transmitted through those points. The opposite portions also have their centers of gravity remotely located, so as to generate a counteracting torque in response to moments of rotational inertia transmitted through the pivot points. Integrally formed planar pieces are assembled to provide contiguous elongate elements and an interposed connecting web element, a plurality of which web elements produce a flexure joint in the structure.

Abstract: A device and method for angularly indexing an object (e.g., a mirror) relative to another at predetermined angles is provided. A rotatable mirror mount has the mirror mounted to a first element that rotates about an axis relative to an intermediate element. The intermediate element itself rotates about the same axis relative to a second element. The first and intermediate elements are formed with detents for establishing desired relative orientations at predetermined angles. The intermediate element can be locked at any position relative to the second element. When the intermediate element is locked, the first element remains rotatable with respect to the intermediate element and is restrained at desired relative orientations by the detents.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting a laboratory mirror and shelf is disclosed. The bracket is preferably an extrusion of aluminum or other rigid material and includes a pair of horizontally disposed guides or arms forming a channel for the receipt of a planar shelf. Additionally, a vertically disposed stop is provided for retaining a mirror in a vertical orientation against a supporting shoulder. In use, the bracket allows for the convenient installation of a shelf beneath a mirror such as would be found in a bathroom.

Abstract: A hanging system for framed paintings and other basically plate-like objects, has at least one hanging rail attached securely to a frame and a mounting rail which is detachably mountable to the hanging rail; wherein said hanging rail has at least one fastening point by which the mounting rail is detachably fastenable to the hanging rail. Preferably, at least one hanging rail is located in each corner of the frame and the fastening point is in the form of a threaded bore. The hanging system also includes a transport frame having lengthwise sides and crosswise sides which interconnect the lengthwise sides to which outwardly projecting ends of the hanging rails are attachable. Preferably, the transport frame has lengthwise sides with longitudinally extending openings, and crossbars which extend parallel to the crosswise sides and are mounted in the longitudinally extending openings so as to be adjustably guidable therein and fixable in a lockable manner.

Abstract: A single piece hanger structure is provided having a rearwardly extending prongs for mounting the hanger to a wall and a forwardly directed hump situated between upper and lower sets of the prongs to define a prying gap which may be used to pry the hanger from the wall without substantially damaging the wall.

Abstract: A mirror apparatus includes a holder formed into a cup-shaped configuration and having an opening enclosed by a holding portion which is in the form of an inward projection. A mirror is disposed within the holder and has an outer surface exposed through the opening and a rear surface. A supporting member engages with the rear surface of the mirror in a surface-to-surface manner and permits transmission of ultrasonic vibrations. An elastic device urges the mirror on the holding portion via the supporting member independently from deformation of holder.

Abstract: A picture anchoring assembly for fixedly positioning a framed picture on a vertical wall surface. The anchoring assembly includes an elongated body one end of which is to be connectable to a pointed end of a fastener. The fastener also has an opposite end which is pointed. The elongated body is to be manually used by the user to cause this opposite end to be penetrated within the frame of the picture. The body is then removed from the fastener with the now unattached end of the fastener to be utilized to penetrate the vertical wall surface. The body will also include a level vial so that when the body is placed on the upper edge of the picture frame the user is capable of ascertaining a precise horizontal position for the upper edge of the picture frame.

Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly has a protective cover (7) which pivots with respect to a mirror frame (6) by virtue of a hinge arrangement consisting of a pivot arm (8), attached to the cover (7), snap-fitted to a pivot axle 14, attached to the frame (6). The cover (7) can be positioned and held in either a closed position, totally covering the mirror, or in one or more predetermined open positions. The cover is held in place by a band-type spring acting against a cam surface located on the pivot arm (8).

Abstract: So as to fix a fragile object, such as a mirror (10) embarked on a man-made satellite, which is required to undergo significant temperature variations, as well as impacts and vibrations, two dovetail-shaped grooves are machined on this object, a pair of thin strips (20,22) being placed in each of said grooves. The thin strips are secured to a supporting block (14) by means of screws (24), a stack of spring washers being placed between the head of each screw and the block. Sheets, preferably made of malleable metal such as gold, are placed between the object (10) and each of the parts of the fixing device in contact with this object.

Abstract: A corner-mounted shield for protecting monitoring devices includes a triangular protective plate attached to three adjacent corner-forming interior room surfaces (e.g. two walls and ceiling). Attachments to the corner-forming interior room surfaces are made behind the protective plate, usually through an opening in the protective plate, and are inaccessible after the opening is covered by a window. The window is attached to the protective plate with tamper-resistant fasteners and is essentially transparent to whatever is being monitored by the monitoring device. The monitoring device, mounted behind the protective plate and window, has a clear view of the monitored room through the window because the protective plate faces into and is within the monitored room.

Abstract: An improved mirror mount assembly is disclosed. The mirror mount assembly provides a post assembly slidable in a Y-axis orientation and a nut plate assembly slidable in an X-axis orientation and a device for simultaneously locking the post assembly and the key assembly in a fixed position.

Abstract: A non-glass rectangular planar mirror is mounted near the top of the seat back of the back seat of an automobile and faces forwardly. The mirror is supported on a generally vertically extending support member which has a horizontal rear foot. This foot fits into the space between the bottom of the seat back and the top of the seat cushion to hold the mirror and support it in place. A rearwardly facing infant seat is secured to the rear seat directly in front of the mirror. The front of the infant seat pushes against the support member to prevent movement thereof. A driver looking through the automobile's rearview mirror or looking over his or her shoulder can observe the child in the infant seat.

Abstract: An anti-vibration device for a rearview mirror mounted for pivoting about two perpendicular axes inside a housing fixed on the bodywork of a vehicle. The support of the mirror has, on its rear face, a boss which extends perpendicularly to the face and which is engaged between two elastic branches of a dampening member mounted for free sliding on the bottom of the housing along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the boss.

Abstract: A vanity cabinet is disclosed for installation as a component of prebuilt and site-assembled cabinetry, and countertop or custom built cabinets fabricated entirely on the job site. The cabinet includes a hinged cover, a folding vanity panel hinged to the underside of said cover, and a mirror and mirror support hinged to the vanity panel. The mirror and mirror support are retained for viewing in a selected, generally constant angular position with respect to the vanity panel regardless of whether the cover is raised or lowered. The vanity panel is supported by bearing assemblies such as rollers which allow that panel to automatically unfold and swing to an upright viewing position when the cover is raised. Light panels adjacent the mirror are provided for illumination.

Abstract: Various geometric structures are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a mirror cube formed by five rectangular mirrors defining four sides and a top panel, and an inset base. Upper and lower frames extend around upper and lower margins of the side panels and are coupled together by clamping means. In one embodiment, these clamping means comprise a bolt extending between an inner top panel and the base and releasable from below the base. Other forms of structure are disclosed and may be used as, say, packing cases, furniture structures and the like.

Abstract: A mirror made of a synthetic plastics material in the shape of a shallow tray having a base which is metallized on its internal or external surface. The shallow tray has a rim integral with the periphery of the base. The shape of the cross-section of the rim enables the peripheral edge at the front of the mirror to be convexly rounded to a required radius greater than the thickness of the base. The shape of the cross-section of the rim also serves to hold the base from distortion and so maintains the optical properties of the mirror.

Abstract: A mount for a mirror of a laser resonator which will permit angular adjustment of the mirror with respect to two normal axes defining a plane at right angles to the axis of the laser resonator, while minimizing undesired mirror movement due to vibration and temperature variations. The mount, in the form of a flexure plate, is of unitary construction, comprised generally of a planar base plate member, two planar adjustment members, and connecting sections which couple the three planar members together. A first pair of the connecting sections rigidly link first and second oppositely disposed corner portions of the first adjustment member to the base plate member, and a second pair of the connecting sections rigidly link other oppositely disposed corner portions of the first adjustment member, generally disposed 90.degree. relative to the first and second corner portions, to the second adjustment member.

Abstract: A frame body for retaining a display article and having a rear surface that can be releasably secured to a support surface. Included in the invention is a releasable latch mechanism for attaching the rear surface to the support surface and movable between a locked position preventing removal of the frame body from the support surface and a release position allowing removal thereof. The latch mechanism comprises a release disposed between and substantially concealed by the frame body and the support surface and operable to move the latch mechanism to the release position so as to allow removal of the frame body. Also included in the invention are a plurality of spaced apart catch brackets for mounting on the support surface and adapted to releasably engage the rear surface and to be completely retained within receptacles defined thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost flexural mechanism upon which tracking mirrors and the like used in optical systems may be mounted. The flexural mechanism is made from a single sheet of metal by placing a desired shape or pattern in the metal. The resulting shape is then formed into a base, mounting surface, and flex arms. The mechanism is stiff in directions other than rotation, has low noise, has low thermal sensitivity, and can be made in any practical size. The flexural mechanism can be designed to place the pivot axis at the center of gravity of the mass being rotated, even when the center of gravity is outside the flexural mechanism.

Abstract: A vandal-resistant and tamper-proof security mirror assembly. The mirror is particularly useful for installation in a prison cell and is not removable from the viewing side thereof but is removable and replaceable from the back of the mounting surface such as from a pipe chase. The mirror assembly is held in a pan which is held behind an opening of the mounting surface.

Abstract: An improved mirror including a cushion intermediate the mirror's reflecting surface and the mirror's support surface which cushion absorbs any surface irregularity in the support surface and causes the support surface to present a substantially flat support surface to the reflecting surface whereby any distorting effect of the surface irregularity on images produced by the mirror's reflecting surface is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An elongated panoramic mirror deflector consists of an elongated mirror located above and outside the windshield of an automobile for providing an unobstructed panoramic view toward the rear over the roof of the automobile. The elongated mirror extends the width of the windshield. The mirror is located so as to be visible to the driver along a line of sight which is at 45 degrees or less and is tilted at an angle of 70-80 degrees to the horizontal. The mirror is covered by a deflector which presents a curved surface to the airstream encountered by the automobile, thereby diminishing the aerodynamic drag of the mirror and, by diverting the airstream toward the body of the automobile, of the automobile as well. The elongated panoramic mirror deflector is attached to the rain gutters of the automobile by means of bars.

Abstract: A safety rear view mirror device has a detachable mounting base part for removably securing it alternately on the brim or peak portion of a cap or the crown portion of a hat or other type of head covering. The mounting base part is bifurcated to alternately fit over and to be securely clamped by a mounting screw to the peak portion of a cap or alternatively, to rest against and to be clamped on the crown portion of a hat by a through-extending mounting screw. A flexible and ductile connector cable is endwise slidably removably mounted at one end within a collar portion of the base part and, at its other end, is adapted to be securely and detachably mounting by a spring clip to a back mounting for a back-viewing mirror. The cable is constructed for easy finger-grip bending to move the mirror into the best rear viewing position, with full assurance that the cable will stay in its selected bent positioning. The cable has a metal core cast within and enclosed by a hollow insulating sheath.

Abstract: An electromagnetically deflectable device includes a mirror pivotally mounted to a support by means of a silicone based resilient element. An electromagnetic deflection coil is fixed to the mirror underside. The coil lead wires are embedded in the resilient element and pass through the element to the support.

Abstract: The fastening plate (5) of the glass support plate (9) attached to the mirror glass (9.9) is inside the exterior rear-view automobile mirror housing (3), which is shell-shaped and open on one side. This fastening plate is adjustable by means of a Cardan joint. The glass support plate is attached in an adjustable manner to the fastening plate by a clamp ring (7). For mounting the fastening plate, the clamp ring can be turned from the outside with a screwdriver or similar tool, from a position freeing the glass support plate to a position coupling the glass support plate with the fastening plate.

Abstract: Precision traveling optical table assembly having a rigid support framework and a rigid rectangular framework. The rigid rectangular framework is supported at three locations upon the rigid support framework. The rectangular framework includes a pair of spaced parallel rails. An optical table is provided. Carriages are mounted upon the pair of rails for longitudinal movement relative to the rails. The optical table is supported at only three locations from the carriages. A drive mechanism is connected between the carriages and the rectangular framework for causing relative movement between the optical table and the rectangular framework. At least one optical element is carried by the optical table.

Abstract: A metal mirror mounting clip of the type having a back plate, a forwardly extending flange on one end of the back plate and lip on the forward edge of the flange. The back plate has a slot for receiving a headed mounting screw and a pair of integral mirror guide shoes spaced from opposite sides of the slot and defining guide surfaces spaced forwardly from the back plate a distance greater than the height of the head of the screw.

Abstract: A holder for holding thin rigid planar signs includes a base having a trough for receiving and seating an edge of the sign. An essentially planar wall extends from the trough against which the sign is urged by a pressure pad in order to maintain the sign in a stationary position. The pressure pad is mounted in the base and has a plurality of blades projecting essentially normal to and abutting the surface of the planar wall. Upon insertion of the sign in the holders, the blades exert a resulting force on the sign to urge the sign flush against the planar wall. By virtue of the seating of the sign edge in the trough, the sign is prevented from rotation away from the wall and out of the holder as a result of wind forces acting on the sign.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a mirror 20 is described which includes a flat mounting plate 10 having a rectangular mirror opening 12. Positioned about the mirror opening 12 are spaced rectangularly shaped holes 18. Placed against the bottom wall 26 of a "U" shaped channel 22 is a sheet of foam material 34 upon which the back of a front surface mirror 20 is placed. The edges of the walls 28, 30 of the "U" shaped channel have tabs 32 which are placed into the holes 18. The tabs 32 are bent over or deformed to secure the channel 22 and mirror 20 to the mounting plate 10.

Abstract: A precision adjusting system, comprising two components which can be adjusted with respect to each other, and at least two adjusting devices, each of which comprises a screw body which is mounted to be rotatable on the one component, a holder body which is rigidly mounted on the other component, and a plastically deformable torsion member which interconnects the two bodies.Rotation of the screw body causes a relative displacement of the two components, the torsion member then being twisted and plastically deformed and the two components being fixed in the adjusted position at the same time.