Abstract: This invention provides a plano-multiradius reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly includes a plano reflective element which has a rearward field of view, when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile, with unit magnification. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly also includes an auxiliary reflective element including a multiradius portion with a rearward field of view. The plano reflective element provides a distortion-free rearward field of view and serves as the principal rearward-viewing portion of the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly. The multiradius portion provides a wide angle rearward field of view, and typically supplements the rearward field of view of the plano portion.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror includes a holder for affixing the mirror to a motor vehicle. A carrier plate is located in a housing that is secured to the holder. At least one mirror assembly with a mirror pane is mounted pivotally on the carrier plate in the housing. At least one means of adjustment is mounted on the carrier plate and bound to the mirror assembly. A base plate is attached to the carrier plate, the base plate having a honeycomb structure with a multiplicity of cells on at least one side. The cells are integral and normal to the base plate and may vary in both height and diameter.

Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A trailer back-up mirror which can be-removably attached to the frame of a boat, camper, recreational vehicle or other trailer for facilitating alignment of the hitch ball on a towing vehicle with the trailer hitch as the vehicle is backed toward the trailer, in order to couple the trailer hitch to the hitch ball. In a preferred embodiment the trailer back-up mirror is characterized by a support shaft which is magnetically and removably attached to the trailer frame. An adjusting shaft is adjustably extendible from the support shaft and a flexible gooseneck shaft extension projects from the extending end of the adjusting shaft. A rectangular mirror mount plate terminates the shaft extension and a flat mirror and convex mirror are mounted on the mirror mount plate. In use, the gooseneck shaft extension is initially adjusted to position the mirror mount plate such that the trailer hitch and hitch ball appear in the convex mirror, and the trailer hitch appears in the flat mirror.

Abstract: An optical projection system used for enlargement projection of an image frame in a two-dimensional display element (P) on a screen (Sb), comprising a first mirror (M1) having negative power on its reflection face and a second mirror (M2) having its reflection face on a light path from the two-dimensional display element to the reflection face of the first mirror, wherein the first mirror (M1) and the second mirror (M2) are disposed on an identical base plate with the first mirror (M1) and the second mirror (M2) being capable of adjusting inclination.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly for large vehicles, such as trucks, includes a reflective element, a support bracket, and an actuator mounting the reflective element to the support bracket. A mirror housing is secured to the support bracket. The electrical actuator is mounted to the support bracket by a plurality of fasteners and includes an actuator housing, which has a peripheral surface extending around the fasteners. The support bracket provides bearing contact for at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the housing to reduce the vibration and improve the stability of the mirror assembly. The electrical actuator includes a movable member which supports the reflective element for movement therewith and which extends into the actuator housing and frictionally engages the housing to minimize vibration of the movable member when it pivots.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is composed of a planar array of reflecting facets mimicking a convex mirror. The main and auxiliary mirrors can be combined in constant or variable reflectivity applications.

Abstract: A mirror head assembly for mounting adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The mirror head assembly includes one or more mirrors that enable a person to view areas surrounding the vehicle that the person could not easily view via a direct line of site. One or more lights are mounted to an outer shell of the mirror head assembly. The outer shell of the mirror head assembly may be constructed with a narrow portion disposed between adjacent mirrors so that the mirror head assembly presents less obstruction to the view of persons in the vehicle of areas surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: One or more side-view mirror assemblies located in shell housings which are supported at a distance relative to a vehicle in a manner which allows the shell housings to swing relative to the support structure thereof, further includes a telescopic support brace whose principle function is to reduce and substantially eliminate vibration. The telescopic support brace has inner and outer tubes which slide relative to one another and which are releasably locked at a normal position, but which allow the mirror holding shell to swing outwardly or inwardly in the event of a collision with an object, thereby preventing permanent damage thereto.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for vehicles, preferably busses and including school busses, comprises an integrated mirror supporting unit which houses therein a pair of rear view mirrors and a single cross view mirror. The integrated mirror supporting unit is suspended from a supporting arm which extends between the vehicle and the mirror supporting unit.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements. A mirror unit of the mirror assembly is disposed within a shell housing but is coupled directly to and supported by a support member mounting plate such that the mirror unit is substantially rigidly coupled to a support member without being supported by the shell housing.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly is provided for use on a vehicle which includes a rearview mirror and a wiper assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper arm base located behind the mirror assembly extending over the top of the mirror to attach to a resilient wiper arm having a wiper blade. The wiper blade is shaped or sectioned to substantially mate with mirrors having multiple surfaces or surface combined flat/convex mirrors. The wiper arm base is attached to a bi-directional driver system which causes the wiper arm base to laterally transverse across the mirror assembly, which in turn drives the wiper blade across the mirror. The bi-directional driver system preferably includes a uni-directional belt system, about two pulleys, connected to the wiper arm base with a unique linkage to allow the base to traverse back and forth as the belt is driven about the pulleys.

Abstract: The exposure apparatus has an illumination optical system equipped with an illuminance-uniformity unit (3A) composed of a diffusion plate (31), a conical prism (32), a reflecting member (34) in a columnar form, a reflecting member (33) in a cylindrical form, a fly-eye lens (35) and a stop (36). The exposure apparatus is for use in a lithography process for manufacturing semiconductors and so on. The illumination light from an optical system of a previous stage has an illuminance distributed in a uniform manner to some extent by multiple reflection between the reflecting plane of the reflecting member (34) and the reflecting plane of the reflecting member (33) via the diffusion plate (31) and the conical prism (32), and the illumination light is then led to a reticle at a high degree of illuminance through the fly-eye lens (35) and the stop (36).

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly is provided and includes a mirror carrier plate assembly slidably engageable along a sliding direction by a holding plate of a mirror housing for securing the mirror carrier plate assembly to the housing, the holding plate having two opposite sides. The mirror carrier plate assembly includes a substantially planar mirror carrier plate having a first surface for receiving a mirror and a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least two sets of projecting clips extending from the second surface of the mirror carrier plate and configured to receive and matingly retain the opposite sides of the holding plate, the sets being disposed substantially along the sliding direction, at least one of the sets of projecting clips being disposed on the mirror carrier plate so that a first portion of the one set is disposed further from a line extending in the sliding direction than a second portion of the one set.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly for large vehicles, such as trucks, includes a reflective element, a support bracket, and an actuator mounting the reflective element to the support bracket. A mirror housing is secured to the support bracket. The electrical actuator is mounted to the support bracket by a plurality of fasteners and includes an actuator housing, which has a peripheral surface extending around the fasteners. The support bracket provides bearing contact for at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the housing to reduce the vibration and improve the stability of the mirror assembly. The electrical actuator includes a movable member which supports the reflective element for movement therewith and which extends into the actuator housing and frictionally engages the housing to minimize vibration of the movable member when it pivots.

Abstract: A display device for presenting a virtual image of a product. The device supports an object whose virtual image is to be presented at a point on one side of the device, and an optical system having a transparent member mounted in the manner of a conventional store window. The optical system projects an image of the object in virtual space towards an observer on the opposite side of said device. The device is also equipped with a means for directing an odor towards the image. The odor is scented according to the image being produced. The device is positioned adjacent to a place frequented by potential consumers of the product, such as a street in a shopping area of a town or mall.

Abstract: A rear view dual mirror assembly comprises a convex mirror on the front and a plane mirror on the reverse side. Whole assembly rotates 360 degrees and tilts/pivots on a fixed base, and is mounted on top of a computer monitor, or on the side of the monitor, using a two sided adhesive foam pad attached to the base. The plane mirror also rotates in its housing, and is used as a vanity mirror, and the convex wide angle mirror is used to achieve the best way to stay aware of your surroundings.

Abstract: One or more side-view mirror assemblies located in shell housings which are supported at a distance relative to a vehicle in a manner which allows the shell housings to swing relative to the support structure thereof, further includes a telescopic support brace whose principle function is to reduce and substantially eliminate vibration. The telescopic support brace has inner and outer tubes which slide relative to one another and which are releasably locked at a normal position, but which allow the mirror holding shell to swing outwardly or inwardly in the event of a collision with an object, thereby preventing permanent damage thereto.

Abstract: A visual observation system, using the towing vehicle's rearview mirror and a trailer mounted mirror apparatus to align the vehicle's hitch ball and the trailer's hitch receiver without having to use a second person to observe the hitch and guide the driver. The driver does not have to leave the vehicle to observe the relative position of the trailer hitch and the vehicle ball. This allows the driver to align the hitch without damaging the vehicle or the trailer. This apparatus uses a mirror assembly (60), comprising a combination of a convex mirror and a flat mirror mounted on a offset bracket attached to telescoping support (50), on a rotating base assembly (30) offset to the side of the trailer tongue, forming a unit that can be rotated into offset storage clip (75), mounted on the trailer tongue, or easily removed for storage without the use of tools. The unit gives a large field of vision while backing up the vehicle, using the convex mirror.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collecting and condensing optical system includes a plurality of cascaded concave paraboloid reflectors and a plurality of electromagnetic radiation or light sources which radiate light energy onto the concave reflectors in such manner that the energy from each source is combined by the reflectors into an output target, such as the end of a single core optical fiber.

Abstract: A sun visor for vehicles having a visor body, a recess in a broadside of the visor body, and a mirror unit which is placed in the recess. The mirror unit features a plane mirror, a concave mirror, and a slide cover, and a covering material surrounding the visor body with an opening exposing a mirror field. The arrangement is struck in such a way, that the plane mirror, the concave mirror, or alternatively the slide cover is visible in the mirror field. The slide cover can slide over one of the two mirrors, that is rigidly connected with the mirror unit in the region of the mirror field. The other of the two mirrors can slide over the slide cover.

Abstract: A new structure of automobile exterior rearview mirror which integrates an arc-surface wide-angle mirror and a plane mirror together to form a one-piece design. This design overcomes the drawbacks of the existing exterior rearview mirror, in which a driver use a stick-on type wide-angle mirror. In addition, the present invention also provides a blank surface area with parabolized image coating. The blank surface area is formed between the wide-angle mirror and the plane mirror and its function is to prevent the refraction and reflection interferences caused by the wide-angle mirror and the plane mirror. The exterior rearview mirror of the present invention is economical, will not fall off and has no blind spot. It is a full view safety mirror for backing up the car, making turns and changing lanes in the roadway.

Abstract: A device for directing a defined light beam onto a photosensitive area, for testing the performance of a photovoltaic module including said photosensitive area, comprising a support structure (1) which can be turned about a vertical central axis (4) in accordance with the actual azimuthal sun position. Housing (7) receives the photovoltaic module with the photosensitive area (6) of said module in a horizontal position, the housing being located in the lower portion of the support structure. A first mirror (2) which can be tilted about a horizontal axis (3) in order adapt its position continuously to the sun elevation position and to optimize the sun light impact thereon, and a second mirror (5) is fixed to the support structure (1) vertically above the photosensitive area (6) of the module and receives the light beam from the first mirror (2) for reflexion towards said area (6).

Abstract: A mirror attachment for attachment to a rearview mirror of a vehicle to enhance a user's view behind the user. The mirror attachment includes a mirror member with front and back faces. The back face of the mirror member has a light reflecting mirrored surface. A pair of shafts are provided each having a pair of opposite ends. A first of the ends of a first of the shafts is pivotally coupled to the front face of the mirror member. A second of the ends of the first shaft is pivotally coupled to a first of the ends of a second of the shafts. A clamp member is provided having a pair of arms. A second of the ends of the second shaft is pivotally coupled to the clamp member.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements. A mirror unit of the mirror assembly is disposed within a shell housing but is coupled directly to and supported by a support member mounting plate such that the mirror unit is substantially rigidly coupled to a support member without being supported by the shell housing.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly is provided for use on a vehicle which includes a rearview mirror, a wiper assembly and adjusters for the mirror. The wiper assembly includes a wiper arm base located behind the mirror assembly extending over the top of the mirror to attach to a resilient wiper arm having a wiper blade. The wiper arm base is attached to a threaded rod which, upon bi-directional rotation of the rod, causes the wiper arm base to laterally traverse across the mirror assembly, which in turn drives the wiper blade across the mirror. The adjusters are used to adjust the angular position of the mirror, or the entire mirror assembly, by utilizing spirally threaded rods which rotate bi-directionally to push or pull the mirror about certain pivot points.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus to generally provide a driver of a vehicle with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to a non-mirror reflective, support member of a factory-mounted side view mirror assembly. The support member being positioned between a reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and an exterior surface of a vehicle. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to the support member in the absence of engagement to or contact with, the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, and in the absence of obstructing the driver's view of any portion of the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, while generally providing the driver with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot.

Abstract: An optical image field splitting system which is adapted to allow a single camera to be used to view two or more images or object scenes of a single object or one or more images from a plurality of objects is disclosed. The optical image field splitting system includes a camera, a mirror pair, a lens, and a third mirror spaced apart from the mirror pair. The mirror pair includes a first mirror defining a first reflective planar surface and a second mirror defining a second reflective planar surface. The first reflective planar surface is oriented at a first predetermined angle relative to the second reflective planar surface. The lens is coupled to the camera and disposed in an optical path defined between the camera and the mirror pair. The third mirror defines a third reflective planar surface oriented at a second predetermined angle relative to the second reflective surface of the second mirror. An optical path length is defined between the third mirror and the second mirror.

Abstract: A device and method for generating images of a computer user and the surrounding area behind the user. A mirror (24) has a reflecting surface (32) and a support (22) supports the mirror adjacent to or on a computer monitor (6). The mirror is positioned relative to the computer monitor so that the reflecting surface reflects an image of an area in front of the screen display towards the eyes of the user. In this manner, the computer user can monitor the surrounding area to ensure that confidential or personal information on the computer monitor is not seen by others. In addition, the user can inspect his or her own appearance prior to or during video communication with remote users.

Abstract: A reflective optical system includes, in traveling order of light, a correction plate having an aspherical surface and a reflecting mirror for concentrating the light. An image is formed out of an optical path between the correction plate and the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.

Abstract: A rear view mirror apparatus has a housing which includes a faceplate. A first mirror is positioned within the faceplate. A second mirror, being convex, is positioned within the faceplate and is separated from the first mirror by a portion of the faceplate. A brake indicator light are also positioned within the faceplate.

Abstract: A back mirror has plural mirror surface areas of different curvatures disposed side by side or plural mirror surface areas disposed side by side to form discontinuous planes. The back mirror includes a dividing line having a light diffusion effect formed along a border portion of the plural mirror surface areas. The dividing line may be formed by projections and depressions having a light diffusion effect which are formed on at least one of a transparent substrate, reflecting film and a transparent thin film formed on the reflecting film.

Abstract: An automobile mirror assembly improves safety during driving of a car by widening the visual field of the driver with little distortion. The mirror is mounted on a car with a support member and a holding member to be adjustable in its position. A gradually changing mirror section is provided on at least one of an upper, lower and side edges of a main mirror section of the mirror. A surface of a gradually changing mirror section is defined by a plurality of intersections between curved surfaces provided in at least one of a vertical and horizontal directions with hyperbolic curves provided in a direction perpendicular to one of the vertical and horizontal directions. Each respective curved surface passes through circular arcs, the radii of curvatures of the circular area being calculated from Equation 1 indicated below. The radii of curvatures of the circular arcs gradually become smaller in an extending direction.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is provided for auxiliary attachment to a conventional side-mounted vehicle rearview mirror. The assembly includes a housing defining a rear surface having adhesive thereon for attaching the assembly to the conventional rearview mirror. The assembly further includes a first flat or convex mirror positioned within the housing in first predetermined relationship with the rear surface and a second convex mirror positioned within the housing in second predetermined relationship with the rear surface. The blind spot of the conventional rearview mirror is substantially eliminated and the viewing range is increased by use of the rearview mirror assembly in combination with the conventional rearview mirror.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly is provided for motor vehicles, particularly commercial trucks. A housing defines an interior volume and at least one mirror glass assembly is removably attached to the open front side of the housing. A non-rotatable longitudinal support rod extends completely through the interior volume of the housing in a longitudinal vertical direction. Portions of the support rod extend from the housing at the top and bottom thereof for attaching the mirror to a support structure of the motor vehicle. The housing is manually or remotely rotatable relative to the longitudinal support rod.

Abstract: A wide angle rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle has a supplemental optically flat wide angle mirror element mounted in a frame which in turn is mounted on the main rear view mirror assembly of a motor vehicle in juxtaposition with the main frame of the main rear view mirror assembly. The wide angle rear view mirror assembly is an after market device in one embodiment and is adapted to be mounted directly on the main mirror element of the main rear view mirror assembly, but can also be integrally built into the housing of the main rear view mirror assembly so as to constitute a feature of the automobile as manufactured. Either way, the wide angle rear view mirror assembly substantially increases the driver's rear view angle of vision utilizing an optically flat mirror, and also has provision for changing the vertical position of the angle of reflection of the wide angle mirror to accommodate different driving circumstances which affect what the driver sees in the wide angle mirror.

Abstract: An external rear-view mirror for motor vehicles, particularly trucks, has a support arm and brackets for mounting the support arm to a motor vehicle. A longitudinal housing defines an interior volume and an open-faced front chamber. The support arm has a vertical portion which extends completely through the interior volume in a longitudinal direction. At least two vertically aligned support plates are disposed within the open-faced front chamber and are mounted directly to the support arm vertical portion. A remotely controlled motor drive mechanism is mounted on each support plate front side within the open-faced chamber. An adjustable mirror assembly is configured with each motor drive mechanism and includes a mirror support plate with a mirror glass surface fixed to a front side thereof. The mirror assembly is variably positionable relative to the housing and the support plate by the motor drive mechanism.

Abstract: A wiper accessory for a side mounted rear view mirror of a vehicle, comprising; a wiper blade, a drive module having a rotary drive and a flexible pantograph arm for moving the wiper blade in a reciprocal movement across the reflective surface of the rear view mirror, and an auxiliary mirror mounted on the drive module for advantageously use the sightless area adjacent the side mounted rear view mirror. The drive module further has a U-shaped bracket comprising an horizontal member having one hole for mating onto a vertical mounting bolt of the rear view mirror in a rotatively adjustable manner about an axis defined by the bolt, and two spaced apart vertical members having each a retaining pivot horizontally in line with one another for retaining the drive module of the wiper accessory in a rotatively adjustable manner about an axis defined by the alignment of the two retaining pivots.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle rear-view mirror (1) comprising a plane-mirror section (2) and at least one convex section (3, 11) contiguous with the sides of the plane section. The curvature of the convex side sections is zero at the transition line (4, 12) with the plane-mirror section (2), and increases progressively with increasing are length (L) from the transition line, the cur of vertical orthogonal lines of intersection being equal to the curvature of a horizontal reference line (6, 6A) at their point of intersection. The rear-view mirror (1) proposed enables the driver to view both behind and to the side. The mirror (1) is easy to produce since the curvature of the convex side sections (3, 11) only departs by a small amount from the plane of the plane-mirror section (2).

Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a housing (11) containing a first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) having a first substantially plane mirror (12, 58, 82) mounted thereon and a second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) mounted adjacent to the first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) for angular movement about an axis (18, 56, 86) parallel to an adjacent edge of the first mirror (12, 58, 82). The second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) has a plane mirror (24, 66, 98) on a first face and a convex mirror (26, 68, 100) on a second face. When the second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) in a first orientation, the mirror (24, 66, 82) on the first face forms a substantially continuous reflective surface with the mirror (12, 58, 88) on the first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) of substantially uniform curvature.

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

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for an automotive vehicle includes a universally mounted mirror system having a flat mirror component and a convex mirror component which are uniquely combined in several embodiments to enhance the rear view vision of an operator of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the convex mirror is pivotally positioned in overlying relationship with the flat mirror portion and adjustable laterally relative to the flat mirror portion. In another embodiment, the flat and convex mirror portions are contiguous in a horizontal direction while in a third embodiment the flat and convex mirror portions are horizontally aligned with the convex portion being universally mounted for adjustment relative to the flat mirrored portion.

Abstract: An auxiliary mirror device is for securing to a rear view mirror of a vehicle, and includes a base secured to the rear view mirror and a housing rotatable relative to the base. The housing includes a tapered portion for engaging with an optical reflecting member which includes an angular position that may be adjusted relative to the base when the housing is rotated relative to the base. The housing includes a tooth for engaging with a number of teeth formed in the base so as to position the housing relative to the base.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for external use on large trucks, tractors, buses, etc. A first reflective surface is pivotably supported with respect to a large, shell-like housing in such a way that the surface is movable at will about two perpendicular axes. A powered hydraulic means is used for selectively rotating the reflective surface to a desired position and normally holding it in a static mode. The hydraulic means includes reservoirs in communication with two hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of check valves arranged in sets and interposed between the reservoirs and the chambers in the cylinders. The hydraulic fluid is chosen from the group that comprises engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission oil and ethylene glycol.

Abstract: Stereoscopic images are presented by alternately displaying corresponding left eye and right eye images in succession, substantially extinguishing transmission of light from the left eye images to the right eye of a viewer and from the right eye images to the left eye of the viewer, for example by the use of polarizing filters, and alternately and in synchronism with the alternate display of images, scattering unextinguished light from the left eye images that leaks through to the viewer's right eye and from the right eye images that leaks through to the viewer's left eye. In a preferred embodiment, scattering is achieved by using a liquid crystal scattering shutter that is electrically triggered in synchronism with the display of images. The shutter disperses the unextinguished light that leaks through the system so that no image information is perceived and the light appears merely as a slight increase in background illumination.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle safety rearview mirror assembly with distortion offset element and method of using the same. The rearview mirror assembly comprises an elongated convex mirror. The convex mirror is independently supported by a double-ball-joint shank and a mounting base affixed on the windshield of the vehicle. The present invention also provides a method to offset the distortion created by the convex mirror. The method combines a safety reference and a safety locker to tell the driver whether and when it is safe to change lanes or make turns. The safety reference includes two opposite end portions of the rearward visual field respectively prescribed by the side windows of the vehicle, and the safety locker includes the central portion of the extended rearward visual field respectively prescribed by the rear window of the vehicle.