Abstract: A compact wide angle rear view mirror mountable on a handlebars of a small vehicles includes a convex reflecting surface held in a frame having straps for fastening the frame to the handlebars.

Abstract: A wall hanging incorporating a heater is characterized by a low temperature thermostatically controlled heating panel being aesthetically concealed behind a decorative surface, and being configured to be hung on an ordinary wall. The device includes a safety shut-off switch activated by excessive temperature build-up, alarm systems to deter theft, and a novel wall mounting bracket which permits rapid and level mounting of the wall hanging.

Abstract: A device for supporting a laser output mirror and allowing easy adjustment f the mirror, including a flexible ring carrying the mirror. The ring is supported by a part secured to the laser housing. The part also carries a plate with adjusting screws therethrough and bearing on the ring, the screws being inclined with respect to the optical axis of the housing. Thus, one is able to adjust the adjusting screws without exposing one's hands to the laser beam.

Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.

Abstract: A member for mounting a suspension rail for hanging exhibits such as paintings is adapted to be secured to a wall near the ceiling by screws. The member has a base plate and a supporting projection extending horizontally from the base plate. The base plate has a pair of inclined surfaces at both sides of the supporting projection. The projection is formed with a horizontal slit to form an elastic piece to facilitate the engagement of the suspension rail.

Abstract: A side mounted rear view mirror head assembly for trucks includes a mirror head formed with a sheet metal back or cover and a mirror, enclosed between a pair of end caps, in which an intergral extended portion of the end caps define lateral slots providing for corresponding lateral adjusting movement of a mirror head on a generally U-shaped support arm. The mirror head itself includes a square tie bar which extends between the end caps and is fitted into tie bar engaging bosses in the end caps, to resist twisting of one end cap with respect to the other, and to stiffen the mirror head.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for a door mirror of automobiles capable of absorbing a shock applied to the door mirror when a pedestrian or the like strikes the door mirror, by automatically rotating the door mirror; comprising an inner cylinder rotatably mounted on a supporting axis, and outer cylinder into which the inner cylinder can be received, and a shock absorbing member disposed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and fixed to the inner and outer cylinders respectively, the inner cylinder having a longer length in the axial direction than that of the outer cylinder, the supporting axis being disposed between upper and lower flanges mounted on either a door or a mirror case, both ends of the inner cylinder being fastened by the upper and lower flanges, and the outer cylinder being connected to the other provided with no flange.

Abstract: An optical system supporting device which comprises: a pair of first leaf springs which are in parallel with the optical axis of the optical system, but non-parallel to each other, and each one end thereof is fixed to a main body; a pair of second leaf springs which are perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, are mutually in parallel, and to each one end thereof the optical system is fixed; and an intermediate supporting member to support the other end of each of said first and second leaf springs.

Abstract: A mirror mount (10) is provided that allows free pitch, yaw and roll motion of the mirror (28) while keeping the location of a point (56) on the surface of the mirror (28) fixed in the rest frame of reference of the mount (10). Yaw movement is provided by two yaw cylinders (30,32) that are bearing (52) mounted to provide rotation. Pitch and roll motion is provided by a spherically annular shell (42) that is air bearing (72,74) mounted to move between a clamp (60) and an upper pedestal bearing (44). The centers of curvature of the spherical surfaces of the shell (42) lie upon the point (56). Pitch motion and roll motion are separately and independently imparted to mirror (28) by a pair of pitch paddles (34) and a pair of roll paddles (36) that are independently and separately moved by control rods (76,80) driven by motors (78,82).

Abstract: A thermally compensating positioning device for use in maintaining an object, e.g., an optical mirror, in a precisely fixed position throughout ambient temperature fluctuations comprises an elongated first columnar member, e.g., a bar, and an elongated second columnar member, e.g., another bar, formed of material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion higher than that of the first columnar member. The first and second members are connected together in a manner that the second member is restrained against movement by the first member along its longitudinal axis and the second member is structured to flex away from or toward the first member when the ambient temperature rises above or falls below a datum temperature.In a preferred embodiment, lugs integral with the ends of the second member connect it in yoke manner to the ends of the first member and the second member has a slot in its midsection to provide for midsection flexing with temperature variations.

Abstract: An adapter plate and two locking discs are together affixed to an optic table with machine screws or bolts threaded into a fixed array of internally threaded holes provided in the table surface. The adapter plate preferably has two, and preferably parallel, elongated locating slots each freely receiving a portion of one of the locking discs for secure affixation of the adapter plate to the optic table. A plurality of threaded apertures provided in the adapter plate are available to attach optical mounts or other devices onto the adapter plate in an orientation not limited by the disposition of the array of threaded holes in the table surface. An axially aligned but radially offset hole through each locking disc receives a screw that tightens onto the table, such that prior to tightening of the screw the locking disc may rotate and translate within each locating slot of the adapter plate for maximum flexibility of the orientation thereof.

Abstract: Viscoelastic damping material (45, 80 and 105) effectively damps the resonant responses of a mirror (10) and a mount (12) therefor to vibratory disturbances thereof by such phenomena as pressure pulses in a pulsed chemical laser cavity.

Abstract: A manipulator device for a reflecting mirror having a mirror holder disposed through a spring between the mirror holder and a housing so that a face of a reflecting mirror mounted on the inner surface of the mirror holder is placed in such a position that an incident beam axis has a perpendicular relation with an outgoing beam axis. A protruding portion is disposed at the center of an outer face of the mirror holder and firmly contacts an opposite face of the holder receiver. A plurality of adjusting bolts are mounted on the holder receiver which is fixed to the housing, allowing the mirror holder to tilt about the center of the protruding portion, so that the angle of the reflecting mirror can be adjustable.

Abstract: A picture hanger comprises a bar for attachment to the rear of a picture frame and a collar slidable on the bar. The collar has a notch for suspension on a wall-mounted picture hook. When the collar is suspended on the hook, the bar can be moved in the collar to adjust and level the picture.

Abstract: A studio easel for selective tension or compression clamping of a canvas painting stretcher frame having top and bottom cross bars in fixed upright position at a desired level has a pair of elongated channel tracks for mounting upright in laterally spaced relation on a studio wall with a pair of opposed shoes slidable in each track. Grip locks on the shoes secure them to their tracks, a stretcher frame support on one shoe of each pair engages a cross bar of the frame. A push-pull clamp on the other shoe of the pair engages the opposite cross bar of the stretcher frame. The shoes are mounted for stretch clamping the frame by positioning the frame support shoe above the push-pull clamp shoes, hanging the top cross bar of the frame on the support shoes, engaging the bottom support frame with the push-pull clamps and pulling the clamps to stretch the frame.

Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for motor vehicles comprises a base for attachment to one side of the vehicle body, a casing with an oblong reflecting sheet having a substantially major axis, and a support arm extending between the base and one side of the casing and incorporating a ball joint. The arm extends from a lower side corner zone of the casing in a direction substantially parallel to the major axis and, at its end corresponding to the base, includes a foot separate from the base. The base and the foot have means for coupling and fixing them together selectively in two positions at 180.degree. to each other with respect to an inclined axis which, when the base is attached to the body, is located substantially in a vertical transverse plane relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle and is oriented upwardy and outwardly from the side of the body at substantially 45.degree. to the horizontal.

Abstract: Temporary locaters, preferably magnetic, are used to mark with high accuracy the correct positions for attaching support means to a load-bearing surface, such as a wall, at two horizontally spaced positions. An object with a substantially flat side is then supported from these positions by securely held threaded individually adjustable rods whose lower ends are bent to receive the object's weight from object hangers attached to the back of the object. One or more snubbers, preferably with resilient soft surfaces for safely contacting the adjacent wall surface, are attached to the object to obtain even spacing between the object and the wall. Initial fine adjustment and subsequent adjustment to compensate for any misalignments are obtained by individually turning threaded bushings holding up the rods.

Abstract: A mirror (1) is made accessible to non-ambulatory persons, such as those confined to a wheelchair, by providing a handle (44) at its base and a mechanism, actuated by the handle, for tilting the top of the mirror forward by up to 30 degrees. The mirror is attached to its support frame on each side at a fixed upper pivot (8) and at vertically sliding middle (10) and lower (5) pivots. The pivots do not attach directly to the mirror, but rather to a collapsible articulation mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, a connecting link (9) attaches to the middle sliding pivot (10) and to a bracket (14) at the top of the back of the mirror. An upper holding arm (7) depends from the upper fixed pivot and attaches to the center of the connecting link (9). The lower sliding pivot (5) is connected by a short angle bracket (13) to the bottom of the back of the mirror. The lower end of the connecting link (9) is supported on a height-adjustable track (11).

Abstract: A picture hanging device comprising a male member adapted to be rigidly secured to the back of a picture frame or other like object and a female member adapted to be rigidly secured to a wall or other vertical support surface. The male member includes an upper fastening flange and a resilient lower tongue normally lying in the same vertical plane. The fastening flange is provided with a fixed or movable spacing portion which protrudes beyond the fastening flange and the tongue. The female member comprises an upper guiding portion and a lower slot. The guiding portion guides the tongue into the slot and contacts the spacing portion when the tongue is fully inserted within the slot. A portion of the tongue remains exposed above the slot when fully inserted therein such that the exposed portion is deflected outwardly so as to urge the lower edge of the frame toward the wall.

Abstract: A mirror vibration absorber for mirror assemblies mounted on motor vehicles comprises a ballast absorbing the vibration of the mirror assembly and disposed either inside or outside thereof. The position and weight of the ballast can be adjusted to the specific vibration frequency of the mirror assembly. The adjustment of the ballast position is made either by moving the adjustment of rods secured to the ballast relative to the mirror assembly or by moving the ballast relative to the adjustment rod. The ballast absorbs the mirror vibration and thereby reduces the need for reenforcing mounting hardware and braces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting mechanism for a mirror of the type adapted to be supported on an exterior surface of a vehicle and, more specifically, a mounting mechanism which allows the mirror and its support mechanism to be swung from its normal rearward viewing position to prevent damage to the mirror and its supporting structure.

Abstract: A picture locating tool for determining the point of attachment for an object to be held in position against a mounting surface wherein the point of attachment is obscured. The tool by design locates the point so that a picture to be hung on a hanger or nail attached at the point will occupy the desired position on the mounting surface.

Abstract: A cosmetic and observer line of sight mirror which includes a mirror having two sets of orthogonal lines with one set substantially horizontal and disposed over the face of the mirror or about the edge thereof to facilitate application of cosmetics to produce a balanced effect and enable movement of the mirror through selected angles about a horizontal axis to afford the user an image corresponding to the user's appearance observed by another at a selected distance and elevation. The mirror may also be provided with supporting means for leveling the mirror and include a scale calibrated in terms of elevation and distance of an observer.

Abstract: In the embodiment depicted and described, the invention comprises a retainer for a sphere, having a sphere captive therein, replaceably attached to the reverse side of a picture frame to cause the frame, automatically, to assume a plumb disposition. The sphere, a round ball, is movable within a track formed in the retainer, and a portion thereof projects from the track for rolling engagement with the surface of a wall from which the frame is suspended. In use, a pair of the ball-retainers are fixed to the reverse side of the frame, at spaced apart locations, with the tracks lying substantially along arcs drawn from a suspension point on the frame which intersects the frame center of gravity.

Abstract: A stable alignment mechanism for laser mirrors has a resilient diaphragm integrally formed between a base and a support for the laser mirror. An adjusting screw or screws rotate the support with respect to the base to align the mirror.

Abstract: A rear-view-mirror locking mechanism for a car comprises a longitudinal arm for holding the mirror and a U-shaped supporting bar coupled with said longitudinal arm through a locking screw and two spacing plates thereof. By turning the screw to abut tightly against the surface of the longitudinal arm, the supporting bar and the longitudinal arm are locked in a fixed position, secured at the fender of the car thus holding the mirror firmly.

Abstract: An optical mirror mount for use in mounting an optical mirror in a generally upright position on a horizontal supporting surface and which is adjustable in pitch and yaw is disclosed. The mount includes a bracket having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg. The horizontal leg is affixed to the supporting surface by a pair of mounting screws, one of the mounting screws extending through a circular mounting hole at one end of the horizontal leg into a threaded hole in the supporting surface and the other mounting screw extending through an elongated mounting slot at the other end of the horizontal leg into another threaded hole in the supporting surface. The vertical leg includes an upper section onto which the optical mirror is attached and a lower section, the upper section being bendable relative to the lower section.

Abstract: Adjustable side mirrors flanking a central cabinet door mirror are supported by frames formed as stampings from sheet material so as to permit the side mirrors to be pivotally adjusted from positions in the same plane with the central mirror into both adjacent angular relationships with the central mirror and into remote angular relationships therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position of a member jointed to a support such as an automotive-vehicle external rearview mirror member movable about two axes substantially perpendicular to one another defined in the plane of the mirror member by, on the one hand, a common main rotary joint and, on the other hand, by two secondary rotary joints, respectively. Two locking means each associated with an axis of rotation are selectively unlockable to ensure the rotation of said mirror member about either axis of rotation under the single control of an electro-magnet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrically controllable pivoting mirror device for an optical video-disc player, which pivoting mirror device comprises a frame as well as a mirror which with the aid of a plastics bearing with a height of less than 3 mm is fixed to a bearing support. The elastic bearing is first manufactued as a finished part and it is not until after this that it is connected to the pivoting mirror and, as the case may be, to the bearing support. In accordance with a suitable embodiment of the method the bearing is manufactured from chloroprene rubber with the aid of a molding process and is connected to the bearing support during the molding process.

Abstract: A picture hanger comprising mating components adapted to be respectively secured to a picture back, or the like, and to a wall or the like. The components include a support bar comprising a pair of end spacers, each with a flat upper surface and a flat connecting link interconnecting the end spacers and a hooking bar including a pair of end blocks with flat lower surfaces and interconnected by a flat, depending bar that will fit between the end spacers and flat connecting link of the support bar.

Abstract: An arrangement for movably supporting a display element, such that said element can be moved essentially in a universal manner relative to a stationary supporting surface. The arrangement comprises a composite rail means having a wooden portion and a metal portion connected thereto. The metal portion provides means for removably holding paper sheets and the wooden portion has an open groove extending along at least part of its length. A stirrup-like structure is provided at one end thereof with a peg having a round bottom portion, said rounded peg portion being received in the groove for axial movement therealong and pivotal movement therein. Means are provided for securing the stirrup-like structure to the display element.

Abstract: A planar mirror is mounted on a narrow rotary shaft-like support member without use of a wide distributed backing member, for low inertia angular movement about the axis of such shaft. A resilient material is interposed between the mirror and the shaft for antidistortion stress-free support.

Abstract: A laser mirror mounting device adapted to provide for the exchangeability of sets of mirrors associated with various wavelengths of operation of a multi-wavelength laser without requiring realignment of the laser after each set of mirrors is changed. A housing, attachable to a laser support apparatus, is provided and includes an adjustable internal reference surface. The mirror mounting device is adapted for positioning within the housing and includes an external reference surface for adjustment relative to the internal reference surface of the housing. The device further includes support means for supporting a mirror relative to the laser and an adjustment means for adjusting the angular relationship of the mirror relative to the external reference surface. A housing cover engages the device for maintaining the external reference surface of the device in firm contact with the internal reference surface of the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension for attaching a piece of furniture to a wall includes a housing having an elongated supporting arm projecting therefrom. The upper edge of the arm is provided with a rough, preferably toothed, surface which engages a protrusion within the housing having a cooperating similar surface; and the lower edge of the supporting arm is provided with a rough, preferably toothed surface which cooperates with a rotatable cam in the housing having a similar surface. By moving the arm in translation through the region between the cam and protrusion, and by rotating the cam, the free end of the arm outside of the housing may be adjusted in both height and depth relative to the housing.

Abstract: A picture hanging arrangement in which an elongated horizontal member is fastened to the wall surface from which a picture is to be suspended. A vertical elongated member is slidingly arranged along the horizontal member fastened to the wall. The verical member is provided with a plurality of notches into which the picture hanging wire may be inserted. Selection of the notches into which the picture hanging wire is inserted, allows varying the position of the picture along the vertical direction on the wall, whereas sliding of the vertical member along the horizontal member allows varying of the picture position along the horizontal direction on the wall.