Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moving side mirror for a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the moving side mirror is configured to be rotatably mounted on the vehicle. Further, the moving side mirror comprises an input device and an actuator. Further, the input device is configured for receiving an external action on a portion of the input device. Further, the actuator is operationally coupled with the input device. Further, the actuator is configured for rotating the moving side mirror relative to the vehicle around an axis in a forward direction from an original position of the moving side mirror to an extreme position of the moving side mirror based on the external action. Further, the actuator is configured for rotating the moving side mirror relative to the vehicle around the axis in a reverse direction from the extreme position to the original position after a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: An optical film has a base material and a hardcoat layer, in which a pencil hardness is 2H or higher, the number of times of folding endurance measured by an MIT tester is 1000 or more, an incident ray is made incident on the optical film from ?60° with respect to a normal direction of the optical film, an angle width within which 10% of outgoing ray peak intensity is obtained is 6° or less, and an intensity of outgoing ray at 50° from the normal direction is 1% or less of the outgoing ray peak intensity. A method for manufacturing an optical film has a step of applying a hardcoat layer forming composition to a base material to provide a coating film, and a step of curing the coating film while bringing the coating film into contact with one smooth metal roll.

Abstract: An articulated arm assembly for motor vehicles includes first and second arm portions, an electric cable, and a cable carrying structure. The first arm portion is adapted to attach to the motor vehicle. The second arm portion rotates with respect to the first arm portion around an axis of rotation. The electric cable at least partially runs along the first and second arm portions. The cable carrying structure includes at least one first carrying portion associated with the first arm portion and at least one second carrying portion associated with the second arm portion. The first and second carrying portions are adapted such that the electric cable permanently intersects the axis of rotation at an intersection area.

Abstract: An optical system mount arrangement includes a stop, a mount for an optical element, and an electromagnet. The mount has a first position and a second position, the mount abutting the stop in the first position and the mount spaced apart from the stop in the second position. The electromagnet is fixed relative to the stop and is arranged to exert a holding force when the mount is in the first position. Optical systems, vehicles carrying optical systems, and methods moving optical elements in optical systems are also described.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes an actuation mechanism coupled within a housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof. A spring plate is coupled with the mounting plate and has a first resiliently deformable arm portion extending away from the mounting plate to define a first bend disposed on a first side of the spring plate and a second resiliently deformable arm portion extending away from the mounting plate to define a second bend disposed on a second side of the spring plate. The actuation mechanism further includes a toggle barrel rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing. The first and second arm portions of the spring plate are operably coupled with the toggle barrel along a coupling axis.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a prismatic reflective element, with the mirror casing adjustably supported at a mirror mount at an interior surface of the vehicle. The mirror casing includes a principal mirror casing portion and a pivotable mirror casing portion that is pivotable relative to the principal mirror casing portion. A toggle assembly includes a toggle lever and a spring element disposed between and coupled to the toggle lever and the pivotable mirror casing portion of the mirror casing. Pivotal movement of the toggle lever flexes the spring element and adjusts the angle of the principal mirror casing portion and the prismatic reflective element relative to the pivotable mirror casing portion of the mirror casing.

Abstract: A rearview mirror includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an opening to an exterior of the housing, a notch extending from an edge of the opening and an actuation mechanism coupled within the interior of the housing. The actuation mechanism has a toggle barrel rotatably positioned within the interior cavity of the housing and a lever extending from the toggle barrel through the opening. The lever defines a first major surface and includes a locking rib extending from the first major surface adjacent the barrel. The lever and toggle barrel are rotatable between a first position and a second position, the locking rib being positioned within the notch of the housing when the lever and the toggle barrel are in the first position and being positioned away from the notch when the lever and the toggle barrel are in the second position.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate at a first coupling and slidably coupled with the mounting plate at a second coupling. The spring plate defines a resiliently deformable spring portion positioned between the first and second couplings and an arm portion extending away from the second coupling opposite the spring portion. The actuation mechanism further includes a toggle barrel positioned within the interior cavity of the housing and rotatable between first and second positions to compress the spring portion of the spring plate by movement of the arm portion by sliding of the spring plate with respect to the second coupling.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure, a second structure, a hinge that connects the first structure to the second structure for rotation of the first structure relative to the second structure around an axis, and a motion control component. The motion control component applies a feedback force to the hinge in response to an external force that is applied to the first structure. A magnitude of the feedback force is determined based on a current angular position of the first structure relative to the second structure.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror includes a substrate having a reflective surface and an actuation mechanism having a support unit coupled with the substrate. The actuation mechanism also has a mounting plate with a first end thereof rotatably coupled with the support unit. A toggle latch is rotatably coupled with mounting plate and alternately engages with the support unit in respective first and second positions. The second position corresponds with rotation of the support unit toward a second end of the mounting plate from the first position. The toggle latch is rotatable out of the first and second positions into a release position wherein the toggle latch is disengaged with the support unit. A toggle paddle is rotatably coupled with the mounting plate and is positioned adjacent the toggle latch to move the toggle latch into the release position by rotation of the of the toggle paddle.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with a planar front surface and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. A mounting element is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and includes a pivot element that is configured to pivotally mount the mirror reflective element at the vehicle. A plastic molding receives the mirror reflective element therein such that a portion of the plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The portion of the plastic molding provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the glass substrate to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having an opening and a fixed reflector mounted to edges of the opening. A tilting reflector is disposed in the housing in parallel to the fixed reflector or inclined so that an upper end of the tilting reflector tilts rearward at an angle around a lower end of the tilting reflector to decrease light reflectance. A tilting plate has a front surface thereof attached to the tilting reflector and a lower end thereof mounted to a bottom surface of the housing. A tilting link is mounted between the tilting plate and the housing. A cam is mounted to the bottom surface of the housing to rotate the tilting link and comprises a link protrusion formed at a lower end of the tilting link and a tilting operating lever attached to a lower end of the cam.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior prismatic mirror reflective element having a wedge-shaped glass substrate having a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate. The circumferential edge spans a thickness of the glass substrate between its front and rear surfaces. The prismatic mirror reflective element has a mirror reflector established at the rear surface of the glass substrate. A plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding curves and the plane of the front surface of the glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.

Abstract: There is provided a superhydrophobic substrate comprising a plurality of protrusions having a pseudo random distribution on one surface thereof, an average interval between respective protrusions among the plurality of protrusions being greater than an interval between light beam wave peaks of light within the visible spectrum, allowing the substrate to have durability and transparency secured therein.

Abstract: An automobile side mirror includes a reflective portion having a front mirror that is incompletely silvered and a rear mirror angularly offset from the front mirror, the rear mirror being fixed relative to the front mirror. The mirror includes a bracket hingedly coupled to the reflective portion and a solenoid hingedly coupled to the reflective portion to selectively move the reflective portion from a first configuration to a second configuration. The mirror includes a return element to return the reflective portion from the second configuration to the first configuration. A light sensor is positioned to detect an amount of light directed toward the reflective portion. A processor is in communication with the light sensor and in communication with the solenoid, the processor including programming to actuate the solenoid upon detection of a predetermined amount of light directed at the light sensor.

Abstract: The optical element includes a base member configured to have an optical surface, a concave-convex structure configured to have an average pitch smaller than a shortest wavelength of a use wavelength range, and an intermediate layer formed between the optical surface and the concave-convex structure, made of a material different from that of the concave-convex structure, and having a refractive index between those of the base member and the material of the concave-convex structure. The optical surface is formed into a shape having a rotational symmetry axis. A thickness of the intermediate layer or each of thicknesses of the intermediate layer and the concave-convex structure varies so as to increase as a distance from the rotational symmetry axis increases. The optical element has good anti-reflection performance not only at a central part of the optical surface having a small curvature radius but also at a peripheral part thereof.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a circuit board disposed in a mirror casing rearward of a reflective element. A plurality of light emitting diodes is mounted to the circuit board for providing backlighting for a display element disposed rearward of the reflective element. With at least some of the light emitting diodes electrically actuated to emit light, light emitted by actuated light emitting diodes passes through the display element and through a partially transmissive and significantly reflective region of the reflective element for viewing of displayed information by the driver of the vehicle. Individual light emitting diodes are aligned with respective openings through a light reflecting element disposed between the circuit board and the display element. To the driver of the vehicle viewing the reflective element, the presence of the display element is substantially not apparent until at least one of the light emitting diodes is actuated.

Abstract: An exemplary voice coil motor includes a hollow stationary magnetic field generator, a movable magnetic field generator, two elastic members, a hollow case and a base. The movable magnetic field generator is received in the stationary magnetic field generator. The two elastic members are adjacent to two ends of the stationary magnetic field generator. The case and the base serve as a package for all of the above elements. The case has a top sheet. The movable magnetic field generator has guiding posts slidably received in the top sheet, and stopping bars. The stopping bars of the movable magnetic field generator are capable of limiting the movement of the movable magnetic field generator toward the top sheet by abutting the top sheet.

Abstract: An automobile side mirror includes a reflective portion having a front mirror that is incompletely silvered and a rear mirror angularly offset from the front mirror, the rear mirror being fixed relative to the front mirror. The mirror includes a bracket hingedly coupled to the reflective portion and a solenoid hingedly coupled to the reflective portion to selectively move the reflective portion from a first configuration to a second configuration. The mirror includes a return element to return the reflective portion from the second configuration to the first configuration. A light sensor is positioned to detect an amount of light directed toward the reflective portion. A processor is in communication with the light sensor and in communication with the solenoid, the processor including programming to actuate the solenoid upon detection of a predetermined amount of light directed at the light sensor.

Abstract: A cross dichroic prism color-synthesizes a plurality of color lights having entered therein separately and emits color-synthesized light to a projection lens. The cross dichroic prism includes a first dichroic film; and a second dichroic film intersecting the first dichroic film so as to pass through the first dichroic film. The cross dichroic prism is configured so that a color light having entered the cross dichroic prism and having become diffracted at a gap created in the first dichroic film over an area where the second dichroic film passes through the first dichroic film is not projected through the projection lens.

Abstract: An interior mirror (01) for a motor vehicle having a carrier arm (06) which can be mounted in the vehicle and having an adjustment mechanism (04) which is adjustably mounted on the carrying arm (06), whereby a wedge mirror glass (03) is directly or indirectly mounted on the adjustment mechanism (04) and whereby the wedge mirror glass (03) is adjustable between a normal position and an anti-glare position by operation of the adjustment mechanism (04) and whereby a drive mechanism (05) is provided for operation of the adjustment mechanism (04). At least one elastic tension element (31) is provided in the interior mirror (01); with this tension element, the adjustment mechanism (04) is put under elastic tension in the normal position and/or in the anti-glare position.

Abstract: An observation optical system is disclosed with which the Fresnel reflection at the surfaces of optical members can be reduced, the transmittance can be improved, and the surface reflection ghost that occur among a plurality of optical surfaces can be suppressed. The observation optical system of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical surfaces, and a fine periodic structure, with a period smaller than the wavelength of incident light, is provided at an effective optical region of at least one surface among the aforementioned plurality of optical surfaces.

Abstract: Shafts are respectively provided in a bracket. An operating lever, and bearings and guiding and temporary holding sections are provided in a mirror housing. When the bracket, the mirror housing, and the operating lever are assembled, the shafts are guided to the bearings by the guiding and temporary holding sections, and the shafts are temporarily held in the guiding and temporary holding sections and the bearings. Therefore, the shafts can be rotatably supported on the bearings easily and reliably, and hence the cost of the inside mirror can be reduced.

Abstract: A system apparatus, means and method for controlling a plurality of variable reflectance mirrors (or mirror segments), including a rearview mirror and side view mirrors, which change their reflectance level in response to a plurality of drive voltages applied thereto, for controlling the vehicle lighting system and for monitoring a vehicle interior for an automotive vehicle. The system includes a light sensing device and a control circuit formed as a single VLSI CMOS circuit. The light sensing device comprises a photosensor array having a field of view encompassing a vehicle interior. The logic and control circuit determines a background light signal from photosensor element signals generated by the photosensor elements in the photosensor array indicative of light levels incident on the photosensor elements. The circuit also determines a peak light signal in three different zones or sub-arrays of the photosensor array. The zones or sub-arrays may correspond to three mirrors or mirror segments.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim which has a reduced glare effect at the windshield or the rear window, and comprises the following features: a transparent surface layer (2) whose upper boundary surface (7) has a non-smooth structure, partial areas of the boundary surface (1) being inclined toward the windshield or the rear window; a mat absorber layer (5) which is arranged underneath the surface layer (2); a zone which is situated between the surface layer (2) and the absorber layer (5) and which has a total reflection effect for light beams impinging into the vehicle interior at flat angles from outside; a device (7,8,9) for scattering the light so that a natural lightness appearance ensues for the vehicle passenger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating light signals, in particular traffic lights. The device according to the invention contains a housing with at least one opening, which is closed by a plate, the absorption of which can be controlled electrically, there being located in the interior of the housing behind the opening a diffuser element, which reflects incident light through the plate. Preferred switched states of the plate are either black (absorption over the entire spectral region of visible light) and colored transparent (slight absorption in specific spectral regions) or transparent (no absorption over the entire spectral region of visible light). The device according to the invention is used to generate light signals by virtue of the fact that the ambient light strikes the plate and, depending on switched state, is absorbed entirely, partially or not at all by the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a light directing construction for use in a display apparatus. The light directing construction includes a light directing film that has a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces, and a metal coating on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A corrosion-resistant feature is provided on the light directing construction to minimize the effects of corrosion experienced in salt atmospheres. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing construction includes an intermediate layer positioned between the light directing film and the metal coating. In a second embodiment of the invention, a peripheral polymeric coating is provided on the light directing constriction. This peripheral coating can be formed with a laser.

Abstract: The present invention is a light directing construction for use in a display apparatus. The light directing construction includes a light directing film that has a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces, and a metal coating on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A corrosion-resistant feature is provided on the light directing construction to minimize the effects of corrosion experienced in salt atmospheres. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing construction includes an intermediate layer positioned between the light directing film and the metal coating. In a second embodiment of the invention, a peripheral polymeric coating is provided on the light directing constriction. This peripheral coating can be formed with a laser.

Abstract: An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, which can be formed by a wet-coating method and which is excellent in the antireflection property, antifouling property, scratch resistance, clearness of transmitted image and planar uniformity. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and a mirror case, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle. The mirror system further includes a display, which has at least one display character, and a display screen, which is provided at the mirror case. The display screen has a central viewing area generally aligned along a viewing axis. The display screen shifts the image of the display character from the display element, which is offset from the viewing axis, to the central viewing area of the display screen. The display screen shifts the image by at least one of refraction and diffraction so that the image of the display characters may be viewed by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus that provides protection against damage for a metallic layer. The display apparatus includes a light modulating layer, a polarizer, and a light directing film. The light directing film includes a prismatic structure including saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces and a metal layer on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A tilt angle of the tilted surfaces offsets an optimal viewing angle for the display from a glare angle for the display. The light directing film of the display apparatus of the present invention includes a polymer protective layer formed over the metal layer to protect the metal layer from damage. The light directing film also includes a diffuse adhesive layer formed over the polymer layer, attached to the polarizer. The polymer protective layer protects the metal layer from the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A field-of-view controlling arrangement for a display screen or window includes overlay in the form of a single sheet of light transmitting material having a plurality of parallel, spaced apart v-shaped grooves, or a plurality of polyhedral, conical, or frustoconical lens or prism structures, that serve to shift or expand the field-or-view of an image or scene viewed through the sheet. Any of the angled or curved surfaces of the resulting lens or prism structures may be treated to attenuate or scatter light, thereby providing a privacy screening effect with respect to a range of angles determined by the orientation of the treated surfaces.

Abstract: A field-of-view controlling arrangement such as a privacy screen includes a single microprism or lenticular sheet having a plurality of sets of parallel surfaces that intersect to form prisms or lenticular structures, and in which field-of-view control is achieved by (i) for sheets made up of parallel “one-dimensional” microprism or lenticular structures having at least two intersecting sets of mutually parallel surfaces, altering at least two sets of the mutually parallel surfaces, and/or portions of the at least two sets of mutually parallel surfaces, by applying a light-attenuating treatment, (ii) for sheets made up of polyhedral lenticular structures having at least three intersecting sets of mutually parallel surfaces, or at least one set of curved surfaces extending in directions transverse to directions in which the field-of-view is to be limited, altering at least one set of the mutually parallel or curved surfaces by applying a light-attenuating treatment, or (iii) for any type of micropr

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim which has a reduced glare effect at the windshield or the rear window, and comprises the following features:

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus that provides protection against damage for a metallic layer. The display apparatus includes a light modulating layer, a polarizer, and a light directing film. The light directing film includes a prismatic structure including saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces and a metal layer on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A tilt angle of the tilted surfaces offsets an optimal viewing angle for the display from a glare angle for the display. The light directing film of the display apparatus of the present invention includes a polymer protective layer formed over the metal layer to protect the metal layer from damage. The light directing film also includes a diffuse adhesive layer formed over the polymer layer, attached to the polarizer. The polymer protective layer protects the metal layer from the adhesive layer.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides a glare-free rear view, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. Exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned by a single motor and rotary cam scanning all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases reliability while accomplishing both directional alignment and day/night reflectivity selection, using a cam with positions for all predicted view positions, two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors. Since each position is unique, each directional/reflectivity position is assigned a set of digital coordinates which can be stored for each vehicle driver and each glare condition, for an initial setting which can be easily, or even automatically, adjusted for changes as the driver desires.

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus that provides protection against damage for a metallic layer. The display apparatus includes a light modulating layer, a polarizer, and a light directing film. The light directing film includes a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces and a metal layer on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A tilt angle of the tilted surfaces offsets an optimal viewing angle for the display from a glare angle for the display. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing film of the display apparatus further includes an inorganic protective layer formed on the metal layer, wherein the inorganic protective layer inhibits molecular transfer to the metal layer and balances the color of reflected and transmitted light. The light directing film further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer between a polarizer and the inorganic protective layer.

Abstract: A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus that provides protection against damage for a metallic layer. The display apparatus includes a light modulating layer, a polarizer, and a light directing film. The light directing film includes a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces and a metal layer on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A tilt angle of the tilted surfaces offsets an optimal viewing angle for the display from a glare angle for the display. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing film of the display apparatus further includes an inorganic protective layer formed on the metal layer, wherein the inorganic protective layer inhibits molecular transfer to the metal layer and balances the color of reflected and transmitted light. The light directing film further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer between a polarizer and the inorganic protective layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus that provides protection against damage for a metallic layer. The display apparatus includes a light modulating layer, a polarizer, and a light directing film. The light directing film includes a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces and a metal layer on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A tilt angle of the tilted surfaces offsets an optimal viewing angle for the display from a glare angle for the display. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing film of the display apparatus further includes an inorganic protective layer formed on the metal layer, wherein the inorganic protective layer inhibits molecular transfer to the metal layer and balances the color of reflected and transmitted light. The light directing film further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer between a polarizer and the inorganic protective layer.

Abstract: In a mirror housing integrally formed with a stay fixed to a vehicle, a tilting mechanism for tilting a prism mirror is formed by a horizontal bearing, full reflection position engaging grooves and partial reflection position engaging grooves formed on the inside surface of the mirror housing and a plate spring and, head light from a vehicle running in the rear can thereby be dimmed. A mirror surface adjusting mechanism for the prism mirror is formed by a support, a plate pivot and a cap support and a driver can adjust the prism mirror to a position where he can easily watch the prism mirror.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.

Abstract: A bright light reducing side rear view mirror system is provided including a frame attached to a side of an exterior of a vehicle. Also included is a mirror assembly having a mirror and a glass plate mounted to the frame A surface of the glass plate is angled with respect to the mirror for reducing an intensity of light being reflected towards a driver within the vehicle.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.

Abstract: A rear-view assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror and an anti-dazzle adaptor which is movably mounted in front of the mirror and which includes an optical cell having at least one electrically adjustable luminous characteristic selected from the group consisting of transmissivity and reflectivity. The anti-dazzle adaptor for a rear-view device of a vehicle includes an optical cell having at least one electrically adjustable luminous characteristic selected from the group consisting of transmissivity and reflectivity; and means for movably mounting the anti-dazzle adaptor on the rear-view device of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising a first planar reflective surface, a second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to the first reflective surface, the convex surface additionally curving downwardly at its opposite ends in a direction towards the planar reflective surface, a frame surrounding the first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the same in a position in parallel longitudinal alignment with one another, markings adjacent the second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone and a slider for translating side-to-side movements thereof into back-and-forth movements of the first planar reflective surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the surface condition of an object comprises a light source, an optical element for directing irradiating light from the light source to an object and for converging the light reflected by the surface of the object at its back focal plane to form an image behind the back focal plane, and an observing apparatus for observing the image. An aperture stop is arranged at or near the back focal plane to cut off a scattered component of the reflected light. A half mirror having two planes forming a predetermined micro angle each other deflects the reflected light from the optical path of the irradiating light.

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides the driver with glare-free viewing toward the rear of the vehicle, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. The exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned with only a single motor working with a rotary cam to scan all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases the reliability of the mirror system. The single motor accomplishes both the directional alignment and the day/night reflectivity adjustment of the mirror by use of a cam which has positions for all predicted view positions, with two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors.