Perpendicular Pivot Axes Patents (Class 248/487)
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Patent number: 12227132Abstract: A door mirror structure comprises a door-mirror body portion, a mirror base having a tip-end portion fixed to the door-mirror body portion and a base-end portion provided away from the tip-end portion, a rotational support axis connected to the base-end portion and rotatably supporting the door-mirror body portion and the mirror base between a mirror-use position and a mirror-storage position, and an electromotive rotational unit provided to rotate the door-mirror body portion and the mirror base between the mirror-use position and the mirror-storage position around an axis line of the rotational support axis. The electromotive rotational unit is provided at a side door. The rotational support axis is provided to be inclined such that an upper side thereof is located on an inward side in a vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yukihiro Moriyama, Atsushi Yakushinji
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Patent number: 11124120Abstract: A quick release mounting system for motorcycle mirrors and similar devices that may be attached directly or indirectly to a handlebar of a motorcycle or similar type vehicle is described. The system comprises as an assembly a first part that is attached to or unitarily formed as part of the stem of a motorcycle mirror. A second part is attached to the motorcycle, typically proximate the handlebar. By releasing a locking mechanism the first part can be separated from the second part to allow the mirror to be removed from the motorcycle. The first and second parts typically comprise a non-circular shank and a non circular bore in which the shank is lockably received.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Inventor: William J Boff
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Patent number: 10808879Abstract: A first arc-shaped arm has a first elongated through-hole formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a second arc-shaped arm has a second elongated through-hole formed in a longitudinal direction thereof. A pedestal supports the first arc-shaped arm and the second arc-shaped arm for pivotal motion in a crossing relationship with each other. A first motor pivots the first arc-shaped arm, and a second motor pivots the second arc-shaped arm. An insertion member is fitted in the first elongated through-hole and the second elongated through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Okumura, Katsuhisa Tadano, Shigeyuki Kazama, Yusuke Takahashi, Nozomu Uchida, Tsubasa Umeki
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Patent number: 10377197Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a vehicle body, a coupling device provided in a rear portion of the vehicle body, and an inching control switch located at a position in the rear portion of the vehicle body shifted from a center of the rear portion of the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle body has a mount surface provided adjacent to a rear corner thereof. The mount surface is exposed to the outside and the inching control switch projects from the mount surface to the outside of the vehicle. The mount surface extends at an angle with respect to the vehicle width direction. A part of the mount surface that is closest to the center of the rear portion in the vehicle width direction is located rearward of the other part of the mount surface that is most distant from the center of the rear portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Fumihiro Fukatsu, Tsuyoshi Ehama
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Patent number: 10220787Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head adjustably mounted at a mounting arm and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The mirror reflective element is oriented to provide a driver of the vehicle a field of view rearward and sideward of the vehicle with the mounting arm attached at the side of the vehicle when the mirror head is in the retracted position and when the mirror head is in the extended position. The mirror head is connected to the mounting arm via pivotable first and second links that cooperatively pivot relative to the mounting arm and the mirror head to move the mirror head between the retracted and extended positions. An actuator is disposed at an end of the first link and operates to pivot the first link to move the mirror head between the retracted position and the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Matthew V. Steffes
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Patent number: 10133061Abstract: A laser device is provided. The laser device includes: a laser tube having an opening in both ends thereof, and a fixing apparatus on at least one of the ends of the laser tube. The opening in at least one of the ends of the laser tube is sealed by the fixing apparatus. A movable assembly and a window are provided on the fixing apparatus. The window is movable relatively to the opening of the laser tube when being driven by the movable assembly, to change a transmission position of a laser light generated by the laser tube on the window.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiangjun Tian, Xueyong Wang
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Patent number: 9787157Abstract: An actuator device includes a motor and a reduction device operatively coupled to the motor and oriented about a central axis, the reduction device configured to modify an input angle of rotation provided by the motor to an output angle of rotation. Further included is a rotary flexure mechanism that includes a rotary flexure operatively coupled to an output portion of the reduction device. The rotary flexure mechanism also includes a plurality of flexure blades coupled to the rotary flexure, each of the flexure blades angularly oriented from the central axis. The rotary flexure mechanism further includes a diaphragm flexure pair operatively coupled to the flexure blades, wherein the diaphragm flexure comprises a rotational and in-plane stiffness greater than an axial stiffness resulting in the rotary flexure mechanism being configured to convert a rotational input to an axial translation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Jesse W. Booker
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Patent number: 9555742Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: ROSCO, INC.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 9061634Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20150129738Abstract: An adjustment device for a carrier plate which can be pivoted about two mutually orthogonal axes and is configured to receive a motor vehicle mirror, includes one motor per axis for moving a non-rotatably and non-tiltably guided linear drive, which is in engagement via a socket with a joint ball on the carrier plate, and a funnel-shaped hub provided with a hollow shaft. A hollow spherical segment of the funnel-shaped hub engages, by spring tabs, in a depression in the form of a hollow spherical segment in the carrier plate, and a spherical segment of the carrier plate is axially elastically clamped in a hollow spherical segment of a housing for drive trains of the two linear drives, thereby locking the hollow shaft on the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Joseph Bögelein, Gisela Fuchs, Jürgen Heinz, Axel Vogelhuber, Winfriend Schmidt, Marco Wacker, Martin Ruttor
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Patent number: 8876077Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Patrick Maillard
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Patent number: 8602575Abstract: An exterior mirror for mounting on a vehicle with a mirror base and a mirror head attached to the mirror base is suggested, whereby the mirroring element is rigidly connected to the housing of the mirror head. The mirror head and mirror base are rotatably connected to one another by means of a ball joint. The adjustment of the mirroring element is done by two bars, of which the length can be adjusted by actuators, which bars are arranged between the mirror head and mirror base.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Raimund Negel
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Patent number: 8016438Abstract: A spherical mounting assembly for mounting an optical element allows for rotational motion of an optical surface of the optical element only. In that regard, an optical surface of the optical element does not translate in any of the three perpendicular translational axes. More importantly, the assembly provides adjustment that may be independently controlled for each of the three mutually perpendicular rotational axes.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Jay L. Meyer, Glenn C. Messick, Carl A. Nardell, Martin J. Hendlin
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Publication number: 20100320356Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Patrick Maillard
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Patent number: 7645044Abstract: The present invention relates to a side mirror for an automobile, and more particularly, to a side mirror for an automobile in which an assembled structure is modified such that even in case of an excessive pressing the side mirror to fall in a driver's view, in comparing with pressing a mirror for adjusting to fall in a driver' view as a conventional method, the assembled state is not return to a disassembled state. In accordance with the present invention, an assembly work is easily preformed and further a assemble state is not easily return to a disassemble state by an external force.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Actronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kun Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 7448589Abstract: A plurality of snap-fit fasteners is used to assemble a vehicular mirror assembly, such as attaching a tilt actuator to a mounting frame or the mounting frame to a mirror housing. The fasteners comprise a resilient mounting post having a bulb portion and an adjoining undercut or neck portion with a bore extending coaxially therethrough which is received in a mating aperture in a snap fit communication.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Rex E. Blakeman, Don S. Rawlings
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Patent number: 7374303Abstract: The present abstract refers to a patent for utility model covering an actuating mechanism belonging to the field of the components of outer rear-view mirrors, which received the arrangement to provide a better usage and manufacturing conditions, an arrangement being of the type comprising: a pair of electric micro-engines (10) provided with endless axes (11); a pair of annular gears (20) coupled with the respective endless axes; two elastic grips (30) incorporated into the gears; two threaded actuating pins (40), which pass through and remain coupled with the grips; a casing (50)-(60), which houses the engine and gear assembly, and the ends of the actuating pins projecting outwards; a middle articulation assembly (70), whose first portion is incorporated into the body (50) of the casing; a plate (80) for supporting the mirror bracket (1) whose rear face features a pair of grooves (81), with which the ends of the actuating pins (40) are articulately coupled; said supporting plate (80) being further provided wiType: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Metagal Industria E Comercio Ltda.Inventor: Affonso Roberto Sestokas
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Patent number: 7354170Abstract: In a vehicular mirror device, one end part of an operating shaft disposed on a side opposite to a drive shaft relative to a fulcrum of a mirror holder is swivelably coupled to the mirror holder, and a detection rod of a sensor is coupled to the operating shaft, which is slidably inserted into a guide hole provided in a fixed support member, so that it detects a swing angle of the mirror holder according to an axial position of the operating shaft. The operating shaft is inserted into the guide hole while being supported on the support member so that it can swing around an axis perpendicular to a plane containing a straight line linking a part of the drive shaft that couples the drive shaft to the mirror holder, the fulcrum of the mirror holder, and a part of the operating shaft that couples the operating shaft to the mirror holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventor: Kaoru Ishikawa
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Patent number: 7334906Abstract: An outer-mirror tilting apparatus includes a holder base that fixes a main body of an outer mirror, a housing that is fitted to a bearing unit of the holder base, the housing having a pivot shaft supporting the holder base in a tiltable manner, a rod driving mechanism that includes a pair of driving rods and a driving unit, and a rod detecting mechanism that includes a pair of detecting rods and a detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Tsuyama
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Patent number: 7175292Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a motor vehicle with a base (16) and an adjustable mirror head (12) and a pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) on the base (16) allowing manual adjustment of the mirror head (12) with respect to the base (16). The pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) has a ball joint (22, 26) to enable pivoting and frictionally engaging faces (36, 38, 42) spaced apart from the ball joint (22, 26) on the base (16) and the mirror head (12) to provide vibration absorption. The respective faces (36, 38, 42) are part spherical surfaces resiliently urged together by resilient means (46).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventor: Darryl Flynn
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Patent number: 7137716Abstract: An auxiliary rear view mirror assembly for increasing a driver's lateral and rearward field of vision without adversely affecting the driver's forward field of vision. The auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted at the rear of a vehicle in a location which is visible in a main rear view mirror of the vehicle. The auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is comprised of a pair of auxiliary rear view mirrors which are independently selectively adjustable about a pair of axes and selectively adjustable about a second axis which is in orthogonal relationship to the first pair of axis. In a first embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted on a rear window of the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted on a rear brake light. In a third embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is combined with a rear brake light and is remotely adjustable by a set of controls which are accessible to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventors: Donald E. Bogard, John M. Sinanis
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Patent number: 7017880Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly includes a mirror head tightly but turnably clamped to the distal end of a pole or staff mounted onto the fender of a large truck or bus. The mirror head has disposed within an interior chamber thereof socket means that form either a longitudinal bore to clampingly receive the distal end of the pole and permit rotational motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole or a ball socket for seating the ball portion of a ball socket member connected to the distal end of the pole and permit swivel motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudal axis of the pole. Tightening means, exterior in part to the interior chamber, move from a first position wherein the mirror head may turn relative to the pole and into a second position to orient the mirror head into a desired position and fixedly clamp the mirror head in that position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Mirror LiteInventor: Daniel M. Swain
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Patent number: 6910781Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle is securable to a tubular member that defines a central axis and is secured to the vehicle. The mirror assembly comprises a clamping assembly including a concave surface that is engagable with the tubular member. A housing is coupled to the clamping assembly and supports a mirror. A latching assembly engages the clamping assembly and the housing and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the housing is held substantially fixed with respect to the tubular member. In the unlatched position, the clamping assembly is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis and is pivotable about the central axis, and the housing is pivotable with respect to the clamping assembly about a pin axis that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Velvac, Inc.Inventors: Leo T. Spychalla, Dan H. Schneider
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Patent number: 6764189Abstract: The invention relates to a swiveling device (11) of the support panel (12) of an exterior automobile mirror that can be adjusted by means of a motor. Said device functions in a stable manner. The panel (12) is fixed on a housing (13) in such a way that it can swivel, by means of four threaded rods (18—18.18′—18′). Said housing is to be mounted in a fixed position. A geared motor (17, 17′) is provided in said housing for each of the two swiveling directions (11), which are orthogonal in relation to each other. Said geared motors are kinematically connected to two threaded rods (24—24) by a toothed wheel (19, 19′) and by threaded bushings (24—24) which are also toothed on the outside. Said threaded rods (18—18) are diametrically opposite each other in relation to the coaxial axes of rotation of the wheels (19, 19′) and can be moved in opposite directions to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Oechsler AGInventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
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Patent number: 6750965Abstract: There is provided a mirror supporting structure for a monochromator capable of turning the mirrors about axis lines which cross each other, thereby adjusting the attachment angles of the mirrors in two directions. The mirror supporting structure for a monochromator comprises first angle adjusting means for turning the mirrors about each first axis line which does not cross each plane direction of the mirrors and second angle adjusting means for turning the mirrors about each second axis line which does not cross each plane direction of the mirrors at right angles but is parallel with a line crossing the first axis line.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Ando Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ando, Eiji Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6614581Abstract: A microstructure is provided which facilitates alignment by allowing movement of the microstructure between one of a plurality of positions. The microstructure is included in an electromechanical machine which comprises a base layer, an actuator and two or more structural plates. One of the structural plates can be deflected to select a movement limit for the other structural plate. Methods for configuring the structural plates relative to each other to facilitate alignment are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Network Photonics, Inc.Inventor: David P. Anderson
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Publication number: 20030123166Abstract: The invention relates to a swiveling device (11) of the support panel (12) of an exterior automobile mirror that can be adjusted by means of a motor. Said device functions in a stable manner. The panel (12) is fixed on a housing (13) in such a way that it can swivel, by means of four threaded rods (18-18.18′-18′). Said housing is to be mounted in a fixed position. A geared motor (17, 17′) is provided in said housing for each of the two swiveling directions (11), which are orthogonal in relation to each other. Said geared motors are kinematically connected to two threaded rods (24-24) by a toothed wheel (19, 19′) and by threaded bushings (24-24) which are also toothed on the outside. Said threaded rods (18-18) are diametrically opposite each other in relation to the in opposite directions to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
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Patent number: 6536724Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Yuuji Furuta
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Publication number: 20020113189Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly includes a mirror head tightly but turnably clamped to the distal end of a pole or staff mounted onto the fender of a large truck or bus. The mirror head has disposed within an interior chamber thereof socket means that form either a longitudinal bore to clampingly receive the distal end of the pole and permit rotational motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole or a ball socket for seating the ball portion of a ball socket member connected to the distal end of the pole and permit swivel motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudal axis of the pole. Tightening means, exterior in part to the interior chamber, move from a first position wherein the mirror head may turn relative to the pole and into a second position to orient the mirror head into a desired position and fixedly clamp the mirror head in that position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Daniel M. Swain
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Publication number: 20020033434Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Yuuji Furuta
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Patent number: 6220561Abstract: A new class of tilting micromechanical mechanisms have been developed. These new mechanisms use compound floating pivot structures to attain far greater tilt angles than are practical using other micromechanical techniques. The new mechanisms are also capable of bi-directional tilt about multiple axes.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Ernest J. Garcia
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Patent number: 6213537Abstract: A mirror trim panel including a cover portion, a primary attachment portion, and a hinge between the cover portion and the primary attachment portion. The hinge allows the mirror trim panel to be secured to the door trim panel and to be lowered into a transit position to improve packaging density and to reduce shipping costs of the door trim panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Prince Technology CorpInventors: Andrew R. Butz, Michael Gard, David J. McCarthy, Brent A. Reichard
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Patent number: 6059417Abstract: An apparatus is provided that enables a person reclined on a bed to comfortably view a television screen (36) that is set up for ordinary viewing, which is small and lightweight, of low cost, and easily used. The apparatus includes a frame (64) that can be mounted on a wall (66) and a pair of mirrors (60, 62) mounted on the frame. A first of the mirrors (60) lies above the head (H) of the reclined viewer so he can comfortably view the first mirror, while the second mirror (62) lies lower and forward of the first mirror to reflect light from the screen toward the first mirror, with the first mirror then reflecting the light to the viewer. The frame includes a wall mount (72) that lies behind and above the viewer's head, an arm (64) extending forwardly from the mount, and a mirror support lying at the outer end, or forward end, of the arm. Each of the mirrors is pivotally mounted on the mirror support about a primarily horizontal axis to allow the viewer to look up or down.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: James Z. Tatoian
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Patent number: 6039455Abstract: An infant observation mirror 10 is attachable to a rear-facing infant car seat 200. A fastening assembly 20 includes a C-clamp which attaches to the upper edge of the back of the car seat. Alternative versions of the fastening assembly include a modified alligator clamp and a resilient spring clamp. A first end of a curved arm assembly 50 extends from the fastening assembly over the car seat. A preferred curved arm assembly provides a resilient skeleton the shape of which may be adjusted and a soft protective covering. A mirror assembly 60 is supported by the second end of the curved arm assembly, and typically provides a light-weight mylar plastic mirror. An adjustment assembly 70 allows rotation of the mirror about a horizontal and a vertical axis. A lighting assembly 90 provides soft lighting to illuminate the child during night driving.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Karen Sorenson
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Patent number: 5959792Abstract: An ergonomic vehicle inspection mirror apparatus has a handle, a pole or casing, and a foot. Mounted on the foot is a rotatable mirror. The mirror is attached to the foot by means of a pivot shaft, about which the mirror is capable of two degrees of rotational freedom, in order to turn the plane of the mirror at various angles with respect to the foot. Rotation about the pivot shaft is actuated by an electric motor in the foot. The motor is interconnected with a toggle switch in the handle. Pushing the switch in a particular direction causes the mirror to rotate in that direction. The inspector can place the foot of the device under the vehicle with the pole at an attitude that is chosen to be comfortable. Thereafter, the mirror may be rotated with the switch so as to direct the line of sight at various points under the vehicle body without having to readjust the pole for each angle of view.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Abdalla M. Ibrahim
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Patent number: 5952802Abstract: A mirror motor is coupled to the mirror by a ratchet coupling. A feedback signal representing the drive current of the mirror motor is digitally sampled and analyzed by a type of Fourier transform, preferably a discrete cosine transform, to determine the low frequency components of a current pulse which arises when the mirror reaches a stop at its end of travel and the ratchet operation begins to occur. A fundamental component is due to the pulse rise. Motor current is terminated if that component exceeds a threshold for a set time. A harmonic component is due to the ratchet action and pulse fall. Motor current is terminated if the harmonic element reaches another threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.Inventor: John Thomas Pimley
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Patent number: 5926331Abstract: A power pack for controlling the position of a rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle which is to be mounted within a mirror housing. The mirror housing is shaped to define a cavity. The power pack is connected to a base plate which holds the mirror within the housing cavity. A stationary pivot assembly is connected to the power pack to pivotally couple to the base plate. A movable pivot assembly is connected to the base plate for pivoting the mirror about the stationary pivot assembly. A motor is located within the power pack and is rotatably coupled to a drive shaft. A first portion of the drive shaft has a first set of threads and a second portion of the drive shaft has a second set of threads opposite that of the first portion. A first arm and second arm are coupled to said first set of threads and the said second set of threads, respectively. Each arm is also connected to the moveable pivot assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Harman Automotive, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Crandall
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Patent number: 5886838Abstract: A door mirror with a small dead angle which enables the driver to easily see the areas where the right and left front and rear wheels are touching the ground that could not been seen with conventional door mirrors due to dead angles, and to easily see the horizontal forward direction (if there are oncoming cars) on the side of the assistant driver's seat at the time of passing another car ahead by manipulating buttons on the driver's seat and, then, automatically returns to its initial state. The door mirror with a small dead angle comprises a support arm which includes a straight-moving screw, a slide plate that slides in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a mirror case pivoted on the slide plate to rotate. The door mirror may be further equipped with movable sources of light, may be constructed so as to be folded and may contain a fine adjustment mechanism in the mirror case.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventor: Atsushi Kuramoto
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Patent number: 5703683Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.Inventors: William C. Hunt, Torin T. Meyers
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Patent number: 5692721Abstract: An adjustable bracket and housing assembly mountable to any horizontal or verticle surface designed primarily for passive infrared detective for security systems. The bracket has a mounting member (30), a cylindrical member (20) allowing horizontal adjustability of the housing assembly and a bracket arm (15) having teeth (21) for vertical adjustability of the housing assembly. The housing assembly has a base (10) and removable cover (12). The base is attachable to the bracket arm (15) by a screw (29). The housing assembly cannot be adjusted directionally, unless the cover (12) is removed, thereby providing access to the screw (29). This latter feature makes the unit of the present invention tamper proof as an alarm will be triggered if the cover (12) is removed from the housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Texecom, Inc.Inventor: Simon Vincent Roberts
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Patent number: 5539584Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.Inventors: William M. Perry, Kerry L. Helmer
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Patent number: 5473476Abstract: A door mirror assembly in use for vehicles having a support member for rigidly supporting a mirror drive unit. A support arm extending from a bracket to be secured to a door of the vehicle is connected with a support plate which is integrated with the mirror drive unit and secured to the visor. Thus, the mirror drive unit, and therefore the mirror supported by the drive unit, are rigidly supported by both the visor and the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1991Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Masaki Fujita
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Patent number: 5467230Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror unit, a mirror unit support, and a central connection between the mirror unit and support mounting the mirror unit for pivotal movement about first and second generally intersecting perpendicular axes. A first arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the first axis and connected with the mirror unit for limited pivotal movement about the second axis at a position spaced from the first axis. A second arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the second axis and connected with the mirror unit for compound movement for compound movement which includes limited lateral movement with respect to the first axis and pivotal movement about an axis which is either coincident with or slightly angularly related with the first axis depending upon the position of relative lateral movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Lowell Engineering Corp.Inventors: Ian Boddy, Donald S. Rawlings
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Patent number: 5453915Abstract: A lighted adjustable mirror with clamp is disclosed. The device consists of a illuminated two-surfaced mirror--one surface without magnification, the other surface with magnification. The mirror, housed within a frame, is pivitolly attached to a bracket. The bracket is pivitolly attached to a flexible column. The mirror is free to pivot about mutually perpendicular axes with the column adding further multi-directional adjustment. The column is attached to a clamp for easy securement to a variety of surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Inventor: Raymond L. Bradley, III
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Patent number: 5433417Abstract: A mirror mounting bracket for mounting mirror assemblies to truck or van type vehicles which have slanted front ends that extend at an angle from the windshield toward the ground. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member which is attached to the vehicle and a clamping member with a living hinge which receives and holds the mirror assembly. The mounting member accommodates the slanted front end of the vehicle while the clamping member positions the mirror assembly vertical to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventors: William P. Schmidt, Franklin D. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 5316257Abstract: The mounting assembly readily enables longitudinal or transverse adjustment of the position of the mirror relative to the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mirror shaft, a base member and a cover member to secure the upper end of the mirror shaft to the back of the mirror; a pair of anchors and sleeves which anchor the medial portion of the mirror shaft to the vehicle, and a clamping member and a bracket member to mount the lower end of the mirror shaft to the vehicle. The mirror shaft is secured within the clamping member, the clamping member is mounted onto the bracket member, and the bracket member is mounted onto the vehicle. The base member is secured to the back of the mirror, and the upper end of the mirror shaft is securely retained between the cover member and the base member. Two elongated anchors are cooperatively engaged with two sleeves which are medially disposed abut the mirror shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Inventors: William P. Schmidt, Franklin D. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 5274505Abstract: An improved electrical remote-control mirror assembly in which a externally threaded plunger (54) installed to a mirror body (3) is moved by a motor (102) to adjust the support angle of a mirror (4) secured to the mirror body. In addition to the drive system using the motor (102), another motor (103) is provided which operates independently of the motor (102) to quickly rotate the externally threaded plunger (52) forwardly and reversely. Thus, the mirror assembly according to the present invention is imparted the conventional function to adjust the mirror angle and a function to quickly tilt the mirror by means of the independent driving means. The above-mentioned independently driving means permits to quickly tilt down the mirror body for viewing the reflected image of the car rear wheel and also to quickly return the mirror body (3) to the initial position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshirou Nagayama, Takao Sekino
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Patent number: 5226034Abstract: The electrically remote-controlled type mirror assembly has a pair of plungers to tilt the mirror body supporting the mirror horizontally and vertically, respectively, within certain pivoting angles. The mirror assembly has a sliding mechanism including another motor to axially slide at least one of these plungers beyond said certain pivoting angles of the mirror body. The sliding mechanism is so arranged as to have no influence on the adjustment of the mirror angle within the certain pivoting angles of the mirror body. Thus, the mirror posture can be changed quickly from the mirror angle adjusted within the certain pivoting angle for ordinary car driving to the mirror angle with which the mirror is tilted further downward, and also the initially adjusted mirror angle can be restored accurately.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshirou Nagayama, Takao Sekino
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Patent number: 5217197Abstract: An extension device to extend an original equipment vehicle side rear view mirror away from the vehicle so that the mirror may be used with wide loads. One end of a U-shaped extension device is inserted in the original mirror mounting bracket on the vehicle and the original mirror support arm is inserted in a sleeve that is rigidly secured to the other end of the extension device. Threaded fasteners, which are accessible to the driver through the vehicle window, extend through the sleeve to lock the mirror in adjusted position.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventor: Vernon J. Spitzer
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Patent number: 5210651Abstract: A vehicle door mirror assembly has a stationary base unit, a door mirror unit mounted on the base unit so that the mirror unit is swingable about a vertical swing axis, an ultrasonic motor for supplying power to swing the mirror unit, a fixed gear fixed to the base unit, and a speed reducing gear set. The ultrasonic motor and the gear reducing gear set are both mounted on the mirror unit. The speed reducing gear set has a driving gear driven by the motor, an intermediate gear engaged with, and driven by, the driving gear, and a driven gear which is connected with the intermediate gear by a joint shaft and which is engaged with the fixed gear. When the motor drives the driving gear, the driven gear is driven by the driving gear at a reduced speed, and moves around the fixed gear to swing the mirror unit about the axis of the fixed gear. This door mirror assembly is advantageous in compactness, durability and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1990Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Shibuya, Shigeki Yoshioka, Satoru Ichikawa, Masayuki Touda