Automatically Adjustable In Response To Vehicle Position, Control, Or Indicator Patents (Class 359/843)
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Publication number: 20080152333Abstract: A shake compensating device for optical devices includes an optical system for forming an image of an object; a reflecting surface placed in the optical path of the optical system, a first substrate having a first electrode, placed adjacent to the reflecting surface; a second substrate fixed to an optical device, placed opposite to the first substrate and having a second electrode at a position opposite to the first electrode; a voltage control circuit for applying voltages across the first electrode and the second electrode, one of which is divided into a plurality of electrodes; and a detecting unit for detecting the shake angle of the optical device. In this case, the voltage control circuit controls the voltages applied across the divided electrodes and the other electrode opposite thereto in accordance with the output of the detecting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Masafumi YAMASAKI, Shinji Kaneko, Kimihiko Nishioka
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Patent number: 7377675Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7373249Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for automatically controlling the position of a mirror to stabilize the view in the mirror in spite of changes in viewing position. Initially, a mirror position is set by a user so that the user can comfortably view the reflection of a desired area. A tracking system estimates the user's viewing position. As a user's viewing position changes, the system reorients the mirror such that the reflection in the mirror is stabilized.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuri Ivanov
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Patent number: 7360908Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror for a vehicle has a housing pivotally mounted on a base for angular movement about a first pivot axis and an electric motor for causing such movement. A controller operates the motor at either of two different speeds. The controller includes a counter for counting the number of revolutions of the output shaft of the motor so as to determining the angle through which the housing has been moved, thus enabling the housing to be restored to its original position by causing the motor to perform the same number of revolutions in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
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Patent number: 7354166Abstract: Observing an object within a visual blind spot of a motor vehicle includes using a mirror with at least one motor mechanically coupled thereto. Preferably, a position of the side view mirror can be adjusted by the at least one motor. An object detector detects objects within a visual blind spot of a vehicle. The object detector is operable to provide a detection signal to the at least one motor to adjust a position of the mirror to provide a view of the blind spot to a driver of the vehicle. The view can be toggled between normal viewing and blind spot viewing depending on the detection signal. The view can also be adjusted to track the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.Inventors: John R. Qualich, Michael J. McGrath
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Patent number: 7325936Abstract: A rearview correcting/controlling system for a vehicle includes: a rearview obtaining device for providing a rearview to an occupant on a driver's seat; a drive device for driving the rearview obtaining device to change a view angle of the rearview provided by the rearview obtaining device; and a control device for controlling the operation of the drive device. The control device controls the operation of the drive device to vertically change the view angle of the rearview obtaining device based on a value detected by a forward/rearward inclination detecting device. Thus, even when the forward/rearward inclination of the vehicle occurs, a rearview at an optimal view angle can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Tomoyuki Kukita
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Publication number: 20070285806Abstract: A mirror system for a tractor with an articulated trailer includes a mirror housing. The mirror housing is attached to the front end of the tractor on the passenger side. The mirror housing has a planar mirror. The planar mirror is adapted to move. The planar mirror moves allowing continuous observation of the passenger side rear corner of the trailer by a driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Harry Andrew Beale
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Publication number: 20070285808Abstract: A mirror system for a tractor with an articulated trailer includes a mirror housing. The mirror housing is attached to the front end of the tractor on the passenger side. The mirror housing has a planar mirror. The planar mirror is adapted to move. The planar mirror moves allowing continuous observation of the passenger side rear corner of the trailer by a driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Harry A. Beale
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Patent number: 7287867Abstract: A power telescoping vehicle mirror assembly (10) comprising a bracket (12) mountable to a vehicle, a mirror head (15), telescopically mounted to the bracket (12), a mirror (16) mounted to the head (15), a power telescope motor mechanism (30) for telescopically moving the head (15) with respect to the bracket (12), a position controller for controlling the extent to which the mirror head (15) extends with respect to the vehicle, a switch operable by a driver of the vehicle, the switch providing a signal to the position controller, and an input means for providing the position controller with a set point, wherein upon actuation of the switch, the head (15) telescopically moves with respect to the bracket (12) from a retracted position to a partially extended position determined by the set point. In an other embodiment, a spotter mirror, and a spotter mirror motor mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the spotter mirror with respect to the mirror head is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Jason Kingsley Wellington, James Nicholas Dickson
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Patent number: 7283041Abstract: A side mirror apparatus for an automobile to obtain a field of view to the rear when the side mirror apparatus is drawn out to a drawn out position and to be stored when not in use, specifically capable to confirm the field of view to the rear when the side mirror apparatus is stored.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Shinada
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Patent number: 7216994Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Leo W. Pavao
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Patent number: 7209278Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises an electro-optic mirror unit whose reflectivity is variable in response to an electrical voltage applied thereto. At least one light sensor is included and an electrical circuit controls operation of the mirror unit in response to the at least one light sensor. The mirror unit is mounted on one side of a backplate that comprises an electrically non-conductive material comprising a conductive lead frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors LimitedInventors: Patrick J Lawlor, Niall R Lynam, John P Desmond, Patrick J Dowling
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Patent number: 7168830Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7165853Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Kash A. Munir, Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffrey, Paul M. Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul van de Loo, Maarten J. Schuurmans, Andrew D. Herps, Adam S. Peacock, Richard G. Teal, Chris Moase
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Patent number: 7130727Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of an articulated tractor and trailer includes transducers attached to the tractor for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. The transducers have a substantially symmetrical arrangement about a centerline of a linear transducer bar attached to the tractor and each has an angular orientation substantially dissimilar to adjacent transducers on a same side of the centerline. A control circuit sequentially activates ones of the transducers such that only a single transducer transmits signals at any given time. Thereafter, the control circuit only processes reflected signals received by the emitting transducer. The control circuit calculates an angle between the tractor and trailer and causes the mirrors to rotate. Transducer calibration and mirror adjustment relative to a zero position set by a driver are also contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Full-View-Matic, Inc.Inventors: Hongwei Liu, Barry Davignon
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Patent number: 7104663Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system of the present invention includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, with a reflective element, and a support, which is adapted to mount the mirror assembly to a vehicle. An electrical actuator is located interiorly of the mirror casing and is adapted to adjust the orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Peter J. Whitehead
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Patent number: 7073914Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Leo W Pavao
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Patent number: 7049780Abstract: An auto-adjusting electric rear-view mirror includes at least two driving mechanisms for driving the rear-view mirror to deflect. The driving mechanisms are respectively coupled to servo control circuits that are further connected to sensor members. The servo control circuits are also coupled to a master control circuit that is further connected to an external controller. The sensor members can sense a positional variation of the rear-view mirror and send a feedback signal to the servo control circuits. The servo control circuits compare a signal from input ports thereof with the feedback signal, and output a control signal to the driving mechanisms according to the comparison result to drive position or negative rotation of the driving mechanisms, such that the rear-view mirror would automatically adjust its view angle to ensure driving safety.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Chia Jung Chang
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Patent number: 7042616Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7040772Abstract: A mirror assembly for an articulated vehicle (1, 2) incorporates an image sensor which detects a specific image on the trailer so that as the vehicle (1, 2) turns left the image sensor maintains the image in its field of view and the mirror is automatically adjusted to maintain the driver's view.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Russell Keith AmbroseInventor: Jason Stephen Perkes
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Patent number: 7025467Abstract: An outside mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having at least a pair of reflective elements, a positioning device for selectively positioning each reflective element independently one from the other, wherein one segment is automatically, independently, downwardly directed on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle when the vehicle is placed in reverse. A housing for the reflective elements can also be provided. A control is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device to independently position one reflective element to a downwardly tilted position. The pair of reflective elements is remotely adjusted, in tandem, for driver rearward viewing when the car is in forward motion and only provides a split view during backing. Once the backing maneuver is complete the downward directed element returns to its original position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: Lee G. Meyer, Alla Meyer
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Patent number: 6971755Abstract: A rear view mirror that is mounted on the side of a land vehicle includes a mirror pivotally mounted on a housing and a solenoid-actuated ram connected to the mirror. The solenoid is controlled by a control button located inside the land vehicle to change the orientation of the mirror. A light located adjacent to the activating button reminds a driver that the orientation of the side mounted mirror has been changed.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: Stacey L. Mobley
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Patent number: 6900739Abstract: A device for adjusting a view range of a vehicular monitoring device includes an overtaking pre-motion detector outputting an adjusting signal when an overtaking operation is predicted; and a controller in communication with the overtaking pre-motion detector and the vehicular monitoring device, controlling the vehicular monitoring device to move in response to the adjusting signal. The device may further output a warning signal to sound the horn or twinkle the vehicle lamp when the overtaking operation is predicted for safety consideration.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Exon Science, Inc.Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
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Patent number: 6880941Abstract: A vehicle blind spot monitoring system includes an adjustable side view mirror(s), a mirror controller configured to control an angular orientation of the adjustable side view mirror(s), side view mirror adjustment actuator(s) configured to enable a vehicle occupant to remotely adjust, in a normal operating condition, angular orientations of the adjustable side view mirror(s) in a normal orientation range, and side view blind spot adjustment actuator(s) configured to enable a vehicle occupant to remotely adjust, in a blind spot operating condition, angular orientations of the adjustable side view mirror(s) in blind spot orientation ranges. The adjustable side view mirror(s), the side view mirror adjustment actuator(s), and the side view blind spot adjustment actuator(s) are each communicatively interconnected with the mirror controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventor: Tony R. Suggs
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Patent number: 6851813Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a casing which houses a reflective element and a support supporting the casing and adapted to mount a vehicle. The mirror casing is adapted to pivot about the support between an inboard position and an extended outboard position thereby extending the field of view of the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Wayne Vandenbrink
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Patent number: 6840637Abstract: An automobile exterior rearview mirror system in which adjustments by the vehicle operator to the driver side mirror are used to make automatic adjustments to the passenger side mirror without requiring the operator to make separate, independent adjustment of that mirror. The automatic adjustment is determined using the measured horizontal angle of the driver side mirror along with distance data related to the position of an inboard edge of each of the exterior mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Jenne-Tai Wang
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Publication number: 20040246603Abstract: In a method for achieving a required mirror surface on an aluminium workpiece (1), four different production steps (A, B, C, D) are used. In a first production step, an initial surface (1a) is produced by the aluminium workpiece undergoing one or more turning processes. During the turning process, the surface is produced with an exceptional turning precision. In a second en production step, the initial surface is hard-anodised in an electrolyte bath (6) to create an intermediate surface. The hard-anodising is carried out in such a way that an oxide layer of Al2O3 is formed on the turned initial surface. In a third production step, the hard-anodised intermediate surface is polished to prescribed polishing precision, and in a fourth production step, the polished surface is surface-coated with a material or substance in order to produce the required mirror surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Thomas Rydqvist
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Patent number: 6825757Abstract: A vehicle perimeter monitor having a high range-finding performance of a short distance and capable of presenting correct information to a driver is provided. A radar 1 including a transmitting antenna 2 and a receiving antenna 3 is fixed on a support member 8 which is a support member integral with a door mirror 7. Accordingly, even if the driver changed viewing direction of the door mirror 7, the positions the transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 relative to the door mirror 7 are kept constant. Therefore, though a part of the radiated transmit wave may be reflected by the door mirror 7, by measuring the reflected wave by the door mirror 7 beforehand, the reflected wave can be canceled by a signal processing circuit part 5.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuusuke Yamada
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Patent number: 6799856Abstract: A first power mechanism (20) is provided in association with a fixed support (18) and with a swingable structure (16) and pivots the swingable structure (16) relative to the fixed support (18) between an extended position and a folded position adjacent the vehicle. A second power mechanism (24) is operatively associated with a swingable structure (16) and a mirror housing (12) to move the mirror housing (12) between inner and outer extended positions. A third power mechanism (28) moves the mirror unit (14) into a desired adjusted position about horizontal and vertical axes. An electronic control controls the operation of the first power mechanism (20) and the second power mechanism (24) and the third power mechanism (28) to control the powered pivoting of swingable structure (16) and to control the generally horizontal movement of mirror housing (12) to various positions located between inner and outer limiting positions and to adjust the mirror about vertical and horizontal axes.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy
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Publication number: 20040156129Abstract: A safety rearview mirror has flexible mirrors (1) that are flexed selectively with a flex-control switch (2) on a turn-signal lever (4) of a motor vehicle (6). The flex-control switch controls a flex actuator (7) that is in contact with a back side of the flexible mirror. The flexible mirror is flexed to a convexly flexed mode to provide wide-area rearview for eliminating rearview blind spots, for lane-changing, for turning, for backing up and for responding to rearward conditions and dangers. For non-widened rearview, the flexible mirror is flexed to a flat mode. The flex-control switch is adapted to be affixed to the turn-signal lever for actuating the flexed mode by turn-signaling with the turn-signal lever. Return steering after a turn or de-activating the turn signal deactivates the flexed mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Elvis O. Diaz
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Patent number: 6756888Abstract: A control method for automatically adjusting a view angle of a rearview mirror or a CCD camera of a turning vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving an output of a navigation system; determining a turning level of the vehicle according to the output of the navigation system; and triggering the rearview mirror or the CCD camera to move to an extent corresponding to the turning level of the vehicle. A control device for automatically adjusting a view angle of a rearview mirror or a CCD camera of a turning vehicle in response to the output of an electronic compass or a global positioning system (GPS) is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Exon Science Inc.Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
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Patent number: 6698905Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system of the present invention includes a housing and an actuator. The housing includes a mirror casing and a support, which mounts the mirror casing to the vehicle. The weight of the actuator is directly distributed to the vehicle via the support so that the interior rearview mirror assembly of the memory mirror system exhibits improved vibration characteristics and, further, is positioned such that the mirror assembly has increased capacity for housing a variety of accessories and/or devices. A reflective element is incorporated in the casing and provides a rearward field of view when the mirror assembly is mounted to the vehicle, with the actuator providing adjustment for the rearward field of view. In one form, the actuator is substantially positioned exteriorly of the mirror casing and engages a portion of the casing to adjust the position of the casing and the reflective element about the one or more axes.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Peter J. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20040021961Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle component such as a side mirror comprising a panel having an obverse side and a reverse side, wherein, in use, when viewed from the obverse side the panel has a first appearance when not illuminated from the reverse side, but has a second appearance when illuminated from the reverse side, and further, wherein means are provided for reducing effects upon the panel caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: John McGavigan LimitedInventor: Alastair Munro
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Patent number: 6685348Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and is movable about the fixed portion between a normal viewing position where the movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position where the movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from the exterior mirror assembly. A proximity detector is preferably provided that actuates a powerfold mechanism when the proximity detector detects an object so as to move the movable portion from the normal viewing position to the folded position.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20040012863Abstract: A micromirror array device comprising at least two of a plurality of zones of separately controllable tiltable reflecting elements, each of the tiltable reflecting elements of a zone being capable of tilting about an axis of predetermined tilt orientation associated with the zone between a first reflecting position reflecting an incident beam to a predetermined first direction (on direction), and a second reflecting position reflecting the incident beam to a predetermined second direction (off direction), each of the zones having a predetermined tilt orientation for all reflecting elements in that zone, that is different from the tilt orientation of at least one other zone of the zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Dekel Tzidon, Yitzhak Weissman
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Publication number: 20040008430Abstract: This invention relates to a new type of reflective optical element made of a fluid that responds to a force if subjected to a magnetic field. As a consequence, one can impose any shape one wants to the reflecting surface by generating an appropriate magnetic field geometry with permanent magnets, electromagnets or a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets, or the like. A preferred embodiment uses a ferromagnetic fluid made of water containing ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Liquid ferromagnetic surfaces thus obtained were successfully shaped using magnetic fields. In another preferred embodiment, to modify the reflectivity of the optical element, a reflective layer, such as a nano-engineered silver reflecting surface, is deposited on the surface of the magnetically sensitive fluid. The surface of the reflecting layer can therefore be warped by applying a magnetic field to the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Universite LavalInventors: Ermanno Borra, Anna Ritcey, Philip R. Laird
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Patent number: 6674370Abstract: A display apparatus on the vehicle ceiling, in front of a partition wall which blocks the view of the rear window from the internal rear-view mirror, in order to display information, in particular about an area to the rear of the vehicle which is monitored by a monitoring device. When driving rearwards, the internal mirror is deflected, for example being pivoted automatically upwards from the position of the direction of travel selection lever, so that the driver can read the display, which is otherwise located outside the mirror field of view, via the rear-view mirror.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Andreas Rodewald, Harald Ruoff, Kai Wagner
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Patent number: 6672728Abstract: A control device of for automatically adjusting a view angle of a rearview mirror of a vehicle is disclosed. The control device includes a turning detector mounted on the vehicle for generating a triggering signal in response to a turning operation of a user; and a drive circuit electrically connected to the turning detector for moving the rearview mirror along a certain direction from an initial position toward a predetermined position in response to the triggering signal. The turning detector, for example, can be an indicator-light switch or a tire-angle switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Exon Science Inc.Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
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Patent number: 6672726Abstract: An extending and rotating rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle includes a base member (34) for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. An elongated support arm (38) is pivotally mounted to the base member for pivoting the mirror assembly between an operative position and a folded position. The support arm supports a mirror housing (30) having a glass mirror pane (24) therein for providing a rearward reflective view from the vehicle. A coupling assembly (20) interconnects the mirror housing and support arm for sliding mirror housing in a generally horizontal direction with respect to the base member and for rotating the mirror housing with respect to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 6672727Abstract: A motorized mirror actuator is disclosed which includes a movable ramp having upwardly facing angled surfaces for urging a cam element in and out of the normal viewing position, thereby moving the rear view mirror into a position which will enable the driver to see his blind spot. A small electric motor is sufficient to drive the mirror in and out of the appropriate angle for viewing the “blind spot” for the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Rami-Vision System, LLCInventor: Kurt L. Lohss
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Patent number: 6616286Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a bracket is divided into a frame and a case member. Thus, the frame and the like for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side can both hold a mirror at a vehicle rear side thereof. A mounting hole and a supporting hole of a case member are provided to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane which passes through a widthwise direction center of the case member. Thus, even if a common case member is used both for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side by left and right sides of the case member being reversed, the mounting hole of the case member can be mounted to the frame and the like for the vehicle right side and the vehicle left side.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Kenichi Hayashi, Junichi Nakaho, Morihiko Ogasawara, Takashi Yamada
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Patent number: 6614344Abstract: An optical sensor device that allows a driver to verify his or her respective eye position in a driver's compartment of a vehicle. The optical device includes a plurality of channels. The device has a first channel with an illuminated base that is positioned such that the base can be seen only when the driver is in an optimum eye position. The device has a second channel which is located above the first channel. The second channel has a base which can be seen when the driver is located above the optimum eye position. The device also includes a third channel which is located below the first channel. The third channel has a base which can be seen when the driver is located below the optimum eye position.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventors: Douglas H. Frasher, Kolita Mendis, Hans Pehrson
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Publication number: 20030151835Abstract: A device for adjusting a view range of a vehicular monitoring device includes a vehicle status detector mounted on a turning portion of a vehicle for detecting a turning degree of the turning portion, and outputting an adjusting signal associated with the turning degree; and a controller in communication with the vehicle status detector and the vehicular monitoring device, controlling the vehicular monitoring device to move from an initial position to a working position in response to the adjusting signal. The working position varies with the turning degree.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Applicant: EXON SCIENCE INC.Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Huang Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
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Patent number: 6592230Abstract: The truck rearview mirror assembly of the present invention is used on a truck having a coupling status system for sensing trailer coupling status. The rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing adapted for mounting to a truck, a mirror disposed within the mirror housing, and a display carried by the housing. The display is coupled to the coupling status system for displaying trailer coupling status information to a driver of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Holland Hitch CompanyInventor: Steven C Dupay
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Patent number: 6582087Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket, a mirror subassembly, and a support which is supported by the mounting bracket. The mirror subassembly is supported by the support and is mounted for selective movement along the support arm to one of a plurality of viewing positions. The mirror subassembly includes a housing, a reflective element, and an actuator which supports the reflective element on a forward facing wall of the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a clamping assembly which provides a force to urge frictional engagement between the housing and the support to limit movement of the mirror subassembly along the support. In preferred form, the support extends into the housing and frictionally engages an exterior surface of the forward facing wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Peter J. Whitehead, Steven G. Hoek, Michiel P. van de Ven
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Patent number: 6561658Abstract: A rotation restricting structure of an automobile door mirror, in which a shaft is erected on the top surface of a projection portion of a mirror base, and in which a frame for supporting a mirror body is turnably fitted onto the shaft, wherein a stopper member for restricting a turning angle by engaging with the frame is provided between the frame and the shaft. The stopper member includes a projection, which is formed on the shaft base portion in such a way as to be integral therewith, and an angle adjusting plate provided separately from the projection. The adjusting plate having a thickness corresponding to a folding angle of the door mirror is attached to each or one of both the opposite side surfaces of the projection. Thus, even when the folding angle of the mirror body is changed, the frame and the shaft can be used in common among the door mirrors. Moreover, the strength of the stopper can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Toshihiro Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6547405Abstract: An angularly adjustable, vehicle side view mirror having a reflective mirror member mounted within a frame that is attached to the driver or passenger side of an automotive-type vehicle. The frame has an outer edge member having a series of horizontally spaced apart markings that are visible to the driver within the vehicle. The mirror has an outer edge that is closely adjacent to the frame outer edge member and can be pivoted into visual alignment with anyone of the frame member markings. The alignment of the mirror edge with a pre-selected frame member marking positions the mirror for reflecting either a blind spot side area or an area closer to the vehicle side. The marks also guide the driver in setting the mirror to pre-selected angles whenever the particular pre-set angle has been changed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Inventor: Raymond A. Jacobs
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Publication number: 20030043479Abstract: A control method for automatically adjusting a view angle of a rearview mirror or a CCD camera of a turning vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving an output of a navigation system; determining a turning level of the vehicle according to the output of the navigation system; and triggering the rearview mirror or the CCD camera to move to an extent corresponding to the turning level of the vehicle. A control device for automatically adjusting a view angle of a rearview mirror or a CCD camera of a turning vehicle in response to the output of an electronic compass or a global positioning system (GPS) is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Exon Science Inc.Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
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Publication number: 20030039039Abstract: A vehicle driver's-side, rear-view mirror eliminating the blind spot. The rear-view mirror comprises a two-piece mirror structure having a planar mirror portion and a separate and distinct, curved mirror portion, outboard of the planar mirror portion, wherein the curved mirror portion curves at a constant radius away from the planar mirror portion horizontally. The rearview mirror thus has a wide angle viewing area permitting the vehicle operator to see clearly in the “blind spot.” A mounting block with adhesive, and mounted on and behind the mirror allows the mirror to be mounted directly on the mirror surface of a conventional vehicle driver's-side mirror assembly. Or, the block may include standard mounting bolts, adhesive, etc., for mounting the mirror within the frame of a standard outboard mirror assembly. Thus, the mirror assembly may be an after-market item, or an original equipment manufacture item.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Chester L. Thomas, Garry G. Thomas
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Publication number: 20030007266Abstract: A side view mirror including a multiplexor chip, NTC thermistor within the housing. The multiplexor controls multiple functionality from the housing and provides simplified LIN bus connection to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont