Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating the orientation of a selected mirror mounted on a vehicle. The apparatus includes location apparatus for sensing the location of the driver's eyes, a computer controller, and a mirror positioning mechanism. The location apparatus may include various types of distance sensors and orientation detectors. The controller determines the desired orientation of the selected mirror based upon the position of the driver's eyes, known vehicle parameters and vision parameters, and generates control signals. The mirror positioning mechanism receives the control signals and positions the mirror in response thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating the orientation of a selected mirror mounted on a vehicle. The apparatus includes location apparatus for sensing the location of the driver's eyes, a computer controller, and a mirror positioning mechanism. The location apparatus may include various types of distance sensors and orientation detectors. The controller determines the desired orientation of the selected mirror based upon the position of the driver's eyes, known vehicle parameters and vision parameters, and generates control signals. The mirror positioning mechanism receives the control signals and positions the mirror in response thereto.

Abstract: An automatic mirror positioning system is intended for tractor-trailer vehicles such as a tractor provided with a semi-trailer. The tractor includes a fifth wheel used to couple the trailer to the tractor. The system includes an angle detection unit to measure a relative angular pivot between the tractor and the trailer, a computer for interpreting data received from the detection unit, and a mirror assembly which includes a rotatable mirror which is operated by the signals received from the computer, whereby the system modifies the positions of the exterior rearview mirrors of the tractor in view of the relative position of the tractor and the trailer in order that the driver can view the sides and the rear corners of the trailer for any angle defined between the tractor and the trailer.

Abstract: An opto-electronic alignment method and apparatus capable of being incorporated into left and right side vehicle exterior sideview mirrors to assist the driver in adjusting the mirror to minimize the presence of any traffic blind spot on a side of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, an LED is fixed in the mirror housing and aimed at the particular vehicle blind spot but reflected at an angle through a selectively light transmissive mirror region toward the vehicle interior. The sideview mirror alignment is accomplished by the driver using a conventional mirror adjustment control. When the driver sees the beam of light, the main sideview mirror is oriented correctly to reflect objects in the blind spot to the driver's eyes. In a second embodiment, the LED is mounted for pitch and azimuth adjustment using the adjustment control.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a fixed support structure, a movable mirror housing structure having a mirror unit adjustable mounted therein, and a spring-biased mounting assembly mounting the movable structure on the fixed structure (1) for spring-biased movement into a normal operating position wherein said movable structure extends laterally outwardly from the exterior of the vehicle where it is susceptible to the application of unwanted forwardly directed forces or unwanted rearwardly directed forces, (2) for movement forwardly through a forward range of movement out of said operative position in response to the application of unwanted forwardly directed force so that upon release of the force the spring bias is operable to return the movable structure to its operative position and (3) for movement rearwardly through a rearward range of movement out of the operating position in response to the application of an unwanted rearwardly directed force sufficient to overcome the spring bias which spring b

Abstract: An outside rearview mirror for vehicles having a fixed part and a folding part pivotally connected to each other. A reversible motor is mounted on the fixed part. A serrate shaft is commonly received in the pivot bosses of the parts, thus to pivotally couple the folding part to the fixed part. The rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the serrate shaft through power transmission means. The pivot boss of the folding part has an internal gear gearing into the serrate shaft, the internal gear coupling the second pivot boss to the serrate shaft in the spline type coupling. Both the rotating motion and the number of revolutions of the motor are controlled by motor control means. The power transmission means comprises a drive gear on the output shaft of the motor and speed reduction middle gears gearing into both the drive gear and the serrate shaft.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle including a tractor and semi-detached trailer is provided. An elongated arm supporting a rotatable wheel attaches to a support mounted at a selected position on the tractor chassis. The arm is pivoted upward until the wheel contacts the underside of the trailer, and is kept engaged with substantially constant pressure. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a positioning device for selectively positioning the reflective element, and a light for emitting light generally downwardly from the mirror housing on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle. A control is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device to position the reflective element to a downwardly tilted position, wherein the driver can view an area adjacent a side of the vehicle. The control actuates the light when the reflective element is in the downwardly tilted position in order to illuminate objects in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the control actuates the light through a lockout circuit which normally allows the light to be activated only when the vehicle is not operating.

Abstract: An apparatus, which exposes the blind spot in the direction in which a vehicle makes a turn, to be installed at the back of mechanically or electrically operated side-rear view mirrors. A mechanical device, connected to a mirror unit and to the frame, having a diaphragm sealingly disposed therein. When a winker switch is activated, the diaphragm housing is activated by vacuum, causing the diaphragm to be sucked backwards, resulting in said mirror unit pivoting backwards to expose the blind spot, further, when there is no vacuum the mirror unit is returned to its original position by the returning means. The invention also operates where instead of one mirror, there are two mirrors hinged together, whereby the mechanical device pivots only one of the mirrors to expose the blind spot, such that the other mirror is left to expose the rear-view of the car. The invention can also operate by pivoting the mirror frame to expose the blind spot rather than pivoting the mirror unit.

Abstract: A special rear vision mirror device and installation which provides and utilizes a continual safety monitoring of the angular relationship between the pivotally-connected tractor and trailer vehicle units of a "semi" (tractor/trailer tandem-connected vehicles). The overall mirror installation, during a semi's turning maneuver, automatically rotates the mirror in a special relation and correspondence to what at each increment of the turn is the angular relation of the tractor and trailer, particularly the angular changes from a straight (in line) tandem vehicle relation, occurring while the semi is in the turning maneuver. This provides, continuously, a controlled, and as needed, continuously-adjusted safety setting for the mirror, such that the driver's safety-needed vision of the trailer's rear portion and rear wheels is viewable through the mirror; thus the driver's vision during a turn is permitted and provided by the mirror to be that of maximal safety.

Abstract: An under view mirror apparatus for a vehicle comprises a mirror structure mountable on a rear portion of a vehicle and selectively positionable in either a first condition in which the mirror structure is stored in the rear portion of the vehicle and a second condition in which the mirror structure projects out from the rear portion of the vehicle, an operating mechanism which is adapted to be disposed between the rear portion of the vehicle and the mirror structure and which supports the mirror structure and moves the mirror structure between the first condition and the second condition. The operating mechanism includes a guide rail for being fixed on the rear portion of the vehicle, a first link slidably supported on the guide rail and connected with the mirror structure, and a second link connected to one of the mirror structure and the first link. The apparatus also includes a driving device connected to the operating mechanism for driving the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A new and improved remotely controlled, day/night mirror apparatus includes an outer housing assembly for connection to an exterior portion of a motor vehicle. An inner housing support assembly is contained within the outer housing assembly and is supported by the outer housing assembly. An inner housing assembly is provided, and an adjustable connection assembly is connected between the inner housing assembly and the inner housing support assembly, for adjusting an angular orientation of the inner housing assembly with respect to the outer housing assembly. A day/night mirror assembly is pivotally supported by the inner housing assembly by a mirror pivot pin. An incremental tilt assembly is connected between the day/night mirror assembly and the inner housing assembly distal from the mirror pivot pin, for incrementally tilting the day/night mirror assembly around the mirror pivot pin from a day position to a night position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable rear under view mirror system for an automotive vehicle having a rear door mounted on a vehicle body and hinged at a rear upper portion thereof. There is provided rearward of the automotive vehicle, a deflector which is mounted on the rear door at its upper portion and on which a recess is formed. A mirror assembly is movably supported by the deflector, and selectively positionable from a retracted position to an extended position. A motor is provided for actuating the mirror assembly to be positioned in the retracted position or the extended position. The motor is controlled by an controller in response to an output of a detector for detecting a state of the rear door which is positionable in its open state and its closed state. Consequently, the mirror assembly is moved to a position responsive to the state of the rear door, such that the mirror assembly is automatically retracted when the rear door is closed.

Abstract: A signaling mirror assembly for mounting to an exterior of a motor vehicle comprises a mirror shell mounted to a side of the vehicle body and a mirror mounted within the shell having reflectivity of at most 70% and transmissivity of at least 40%. The signaling mirror also has a light source disposed between the mirror and the shell which is operably illuminated in response to operating signals. Also included is diffractive means disposed between the light source and the mirror for diverting light from the vehicle operator to a viewing pattern which generally fans out from the side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An adaptive control includes a digital error correction system (DECS) to reduce control system error to near zero by anticipating a problem and feeding forward in time a correction to deal with the problem before it happens. The adaptive control is used in a controlled system of the kind which is cyclical in operation and which operates in response to repetitive cycle commands so that the operation of the system is substantially predictable for a significant number of cycles of operation. The adaptive control is incorporated in a spatial chopping or scanning telescope system of the kind in which a telescope mirror is moved in repetitive cycle motions and in a rigidly prescribed pattern between varied orientations and wherein the mirror is held for a prescribed, relatively long period of time in each orientation and is moved rapidly in a relatively short period of time from one orientation to another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable rear under view mirror system for an automotive vehicle, mounted rearward thereof for ensuring a rear under field of view from a driver's seat. There is provided a base member rearward of the automotive vehicle. A mirror assembly is movably supported by the base member, and selectively positionable from a stored position to a use position. An actuator is provided for actuating the mirror assembly to be positioned in the stored position or the use position. A detector is provided for detecting at least an operating condition of a component out of the components of the automotive vehicle. The actuator is controlled by a controller in response to an output of a detector to move the mirror assembly to a position responsive to the operating condition of the component.

Abstract: A stabilized imaging system in which the lens assembly is fixed, and an electro-optic imager element is moveable to compensate for three-dimensional movements of the surrounding structure. Preferably the optical train also includes a movable prism, which can rotate the field of view in one plane. Rotation of the imager compensates for the image rotation caused by rotation of the prism.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position of a tractor-trailer rearview mirror to maintain unobstructed vision in the mirror during turns employs a pair of ultrasonic transducers mounted on the external rear wall of the tractor on opposite sides of the centerline thereof so as to project ultrasonic sound beams onto the forward wall of the trailer. A control circuit determines the difference in the two path lengths, indicating the degree of turning of the vehicle, to generate control signals to a mirror rotating motor. A third transducer may be mounted for rotation with the mirror and directs an ultrasonic beam along the zone immediately beside the trailer for detecting persons or objects within the zone and actuating an alarm in the event of such detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device providing information to the driver of a motor vehicle, which includes a concave mirror (100), located below the lowered line of vision within the field of vision of the exterior, its concavity being directed towards the driver, and an imager (200) designed to direct a light signal to the mirror (100), characterized by the fact that the concave mirror (100) is defined by an O-dome.

Abstract: An automatically controlled rear view mirror for a truck tractor-trailer rig is disclosed which utilizes an stranded metal cable running from an encoder box, mounted on the back center of a tractor to the front center of a trailer; whereby as the trailer turns, the angle between the tractor and trailer changes so as to change the length of the stranded metal cable; thereby triggering the encoder box to send digital signals to a control panel which controls the stepper motor located on the mirror assembly, thereby turning the mirror in response to the tractor being turned at an angle relative to the trailer.

Abstract: A rear-view unit for motor-vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, has at least one external rear-view mirror with a housing and at least one mirror glass pivotably arranged in the housing. Electric servomotors are provided to pivot the mirror glasses about a positioning axis. Furthermore, heatings for the mirror glass may be available. Switches are provided to actuate the servomotors and the heating. So as to reduce the wiring and to ensure the subsequent equipment of adjustable mirror glasses with servomotors, the switches are connected to a transmitting unit and the servomotors are connected to a receiving unit of a multiplex system arranged in the housing.

Abstract: An automatic oscillating vehicle side mirror includes a basic plate body having a pair of outer hollow brackets and a solenoid with an operating lever, and a mirror fixing plate having a convex vehicle side mirror and a pair of inner brackets whereby upon operating the turning signal and upon turning the vehicle, the operating lever moves into the solenoid so that the convex side mirrors automatically oscillate at both end portions of the side mirrors for providing a wide angle view toward the left and right sides of the vehicle and which reduces or eliminates the blind spot.

Abstract: An exterior view mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror housing secured to a cylindrical boss which is pivotally mounted on a base. A clutch, which secures the housing at a predetermined orientation relative to the base, comprises a first member carrying a detent formation, a second member journalled on the first member so as to be axially movable relative thereto to bring the detent formation into engagement with a complementary formation on the second member, and a spring for causing relative axial movement between the first member and the second member to bring the detent formation into engagement with the complementary formation. The clutch can be released by heating a shape memory alloy wire which is arranged to oppose the spring so as to cause disengagement of the detent formation from the complementary formation.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a bracket pivotably mounted to a housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle. A solenoid is operatively connected to the plane mirror for automatically changing the position of the plane mirror in response to a signal from the vehicle in order to render the blind spot viewable to a driver. The plane mirror is pivotably mounted to the bracket by a hinge which has an axis set at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicular external mirror assembly includes a casing having a mirror unit and a tubular member. A first tube has a twisted oblique elongated slot extending longitudinally between a first open top and a first open bottom end of the first tube. The tubular member is slidably sleeved onto the first tube. A threaded rotatable shaft is mounted in the first tube. An elevating unit includes an annular member threadably engaging the rotatable shaft. The annular member has a radial stud projecting through said elongated slot slidably to engage the same and being connected to the tabular member of the casing. An electrical driving unit connected to a lower end of the rotatable shaft includes a motor and a gear assembly interconnecting the lower end of the rotatable shaft and the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit and at least one transducer coupled to the vehicle for transducing signals from the control unit to a signal directed toward the trailer and which is reflected back to the at least one transducer. The transducers are used to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A microchip then generates an electrical signal related to the angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A transmitter transmits the electrical signal using radio waves to a receiver unit disposed near the side view mirror. The receiver unit includes a receiving antenna for receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitter. A drive unit is electrically coupled to said receiver unit for rotating and adjusting the angle of the side view mirror in accordance with the electrical signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control device for use with at least one electrically controlled rearview mirror apparatus, each apparatus having a motor for angularly moving a rearview mirror about at least one axis, and position adjustment means for allowing an operator to adjust an initial position of the mirror, the device being able to move the mirror from the initial position to a blind spot position and to return the mirror substantially to the initial position and comprising: an activating switch for providing a start signal in response to the operator; a timer; switching relays for controlling the motor to move the mirror in a path between the initial and blind spot position; and a controller for controlling a movement cycle of the mirror, the movement cycle being initiated by the start signal, the controller causing the switching relays to move the mirror along the path for a first time period as determined by the timer so as to move the mirror between the initial and blind spot positions, to stop the mirror f

Abstract: Disclosed is an outside rear-view for a vehicle which has a pedestal to be mounted to a body of the vehicle and a mirror housing held to the pedestal. An electric motor is provided for tilting the mirror housing relative to the pedestal. The electric motor is mounted to the inner surface of an assembly plate bordering the pedestal towards the body, and the drive shaft of the electric motor is linked preferably through a transmission gear and/or a clutch and through a cam to a rigid transmission member coupled to the mirror housing. Alternatively, the drive motor may be mounted within the interior of the mirror housing, the transmission member coupled to the cam of the driving motor then may be coupled to the pedestal. Thereby the advantages are obtained that the electric driving motor does not project outwardly from the normal outer conture of an outside rear-view mirror and may be utilized for any modes of mounting of the mirror housing to the pedestal.

Abstract: A relatively simple device for turning a mirror on a truck or other automotive vehicle includes a pivot for rotatably supporting one end of the mirror, and a casing on the other end of the mirror. The casing contains a reversible motor and gearbox combination for rotating a threaded shaft, which carries a threaded block. Rotation of the shaft causes movement of the block to rotate an arm connected to the other end of the mirror. A pair of microswitches located in the path of travel of the block limit movement of the block and consequently rotation of the mirror beyond predetermined limits.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a plane mirror pivotably mounted to a vehicle having a directional signal means. A solenoid is operatively connected to the plane mirror for automatically changing the position of the plane mirror in response to a signal from the directional signal means in order to render the blind spot viewable to a driver. A reference position corresponding to a properly focused mirror is established by visually aligning an indicium on the mirror with an indicium on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control system for adjusting the rear view mirror of a vehicle in response to the position of the steering gear. This object is achieved in that the apparatus the controlling parts, viz. a magnet and a reed contact are simple and inexpensive elements which can be so positioned without difficulty as to sense the movements of the steering gear, and their function is quite unaffected by the rough conditions by way of road dirt, water and oil to which they may be subjected when placed below the front end of a vehicle.

Abstract: An indication display unit for vehicles according to the present invention includes a reflecting member having a reflecting surface directed to a driver's seat, and an indicating device having an indicating surface directed to the reflecting surface of the reflecting member. Information concerning driving operation of the vehicle indicated on the indicating surface is projected directly or indirectly through a reflecting mirror to the reflecting member so as to be visually observed by the driver by way of the reflection thereon. The invention also includes a drive mechanism for shifting the position of the reflecting member in upward or downward to adjust the height thereof and a solenoid for pivotally shifting the reflecting mirror, when it is used, in response to the movement of the reflecting member for reflecting the information in the most effective angle toward the driver in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A control system for automatic adjustment of the rearview mirrors (6) of a vehicle (1) and of the type where the horizontal angular position of the mirror, via airborne signals (8) from transmitter and receiver means (7, 14), is changed by means of a drive unit (5) in response to the mutual horizontal angular position between coupled vehicle parts (2,3), and where transmitter and receiver are positioned on their respective vehicle parts.

Abstract: An automatically positionable rear view mirror assembly for automotive vehicles having a turn signal lever. The mirror assembly incorporates a housing that is supported by automotive vehicle and encloses a movable mirror assembly adapted for movement to first and second positions relative to the mirror housing. Motor means such as a solenoid motor is located within the mirror housing and includes an actuating shaft operatively interconnected with the movable mirror. The motor means includes a control circuit having a switch coupled with the circuitry of the automotive vehicle, the switch being operated by the turn signal lever of the automotive vehicle, whereby the mirror is automatically positioned responsive to selective positioning of the turn signal lever. The mirror assembly preferably includes a fixed mirror segment and a movable mirror segment, the movable mirror segment being operated by the motor means.