Automatically Adjustable In Response To Vehicle Position, Control, Or Indicator Patents (Class 359/843)
  • Publication number: 20080152333
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masafumi YAMASAKI, Shinji Kaneko, Kimihiko Nishioka
  • Patent number: 7377675
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7373249
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuri Ivanov
  • Patent number: 7360908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
  • Patent number: 7354166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Qualich, Michael J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7325936
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Tomoyuki Kukita
  • Publication number: 20070285806
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Harry Andrew Beale
  • Publication number: 20070285808
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Harry A. Beale
  • Patent number: 7287867
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Kingsley Wellington, James Nicholas Dickson
  • Patent number: 7283041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Shinada
  • Patent number: 7216994
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Leo W. Pavao
  • Patent number: 7209278
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors Limited
    Inventors: Patrick J Lawlor, Niall R Lynam, John P Desmond, Patrick J Dowling
  • Patent number: 7168830
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7165853
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7130727
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Full-View-Matic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongwei Liu, Barry Davignon
  • Patent number: 7104663
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7073914
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Leo W Pavao
  • Patent number: 7049780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Chia Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 7042616
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
  • Patent number: 7040772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Russell Keith Ambrose
    Inventor: Jason Stephen Perkes
  • Patent number: 7025467
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Lee G. Meyer, Alla Meyer
  • Patent number: 6971755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Stacey L. Mobley
  • Patent number: 6900739
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Exon Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6880941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Tony R. Suggs
  • Patent number: 6851813
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Vandenbrink
  • Patent number: 6840637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jenne-Tai Wang
  • Publication number: 20040246603
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Rydqvist
  • Patent number: 6825757
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuusuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 6799856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy
  • Publication number: 20040156129
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Elvis O. Diaz
  • Patent number: 6756888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Exon Science Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6698905
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20040021961
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: John McGavigan Limited
    Inventor: Alastair Munro
  • Patent number: 6685348
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040012863
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Dekel Tzidon, Yitzhak Weissman
  • Publication number: 20040008430
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Ermanno Borra, Anna Ritcey, Philip R. Laird
  • Patent number: 6674370
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Andreas Rodewald, Harald Ruoff, Kai Wagner
  • Patent number: 6672728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Exon Science Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6672726
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 6672727
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rami-Vision System, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt L. Lohss
  • Patent number: 6616286
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Hayashi, Junichi Nakaho, Morihiko Ogasawara, Takashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6614344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas H. Frasher, Kolita Mendis, Hans Pehrson
  • Publication number: 20030151835
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: EXON SCIENCE INC.
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Huang Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6592230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Hitch Company
    Inventor: Steven C Dupay
  • Patent number: 6582087
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Whitehead, Steven G. Hoek, Michiel P. van de Ven
  • Patent number: 6561658
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6547405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond A. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20030043479
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Exon Science Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20030039039
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Chester L. Thomas, Garry G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030007266
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont