Abstract: A digital micromirror device projection system employs an array of digitally operable micromirrors that are individually and selectively tiltable between ON and OFF positions. The array of mirrors is illuminated by a high intensity light source, and light reflected from those mirrors selectively driven to the ON tilted position is reflected to a projection lens for projection onto a screen. Concomitantly, light reflected from those of the mirrors in the OFF position are blocked by a system stop. The system stop is formed by a wedge-shaped bundle of optical fibers positioned immediately adjacent the mirror array. The fiber axes are all mutually parallel and are perpendicular to the mutually parallel planes of those of the mirrors that are tilted to the ON position so that the illuminating light is incident upon the mirrors in a perpendicular relationship and is retroreflected back through the optical fibers to the projection lens of the system.

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: An outside mirror for a motor vehicle. The mirror glass 4 is divided by an approximately horizontally extending separating line 7 into an upper mirror surface 5 and a lower mirror surface 6. The mirror surface 5 which cannot be swivelled about the approximately vertically extending axis 9 is constructed to be swivellable about an axis 8 which extends approximately horizontally in the proximity of the separating line 7. As a result, it is possible during a passing maneuver to view the rearward traffic over a long distance.

Abstract: An optical system for viewing the rear seat area of a vehicle through a rearview mirror and a roof mounted forward facing mirror is provided. The forward facing mirror is mounted with the headliner in a fixed or adjustable manner and there is a friction hinge for moving the mirror from a substantially flush position with the headliner to an extended position projecting from the headliner. Lights can be provided with the mirror to enhance the image of the rear seat. The mirror system in the rear of the vehicle can be multi-purpose. It can act as a forward facing mirror, alternatively it can swivel to act as a sun visor to a side window, or alternatively the reverse side of a double mirror system can be used as a vanity mirror with illumination as required.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror assembly for trucks comprising a pair of sleeves fastened to a conventional side mirror on a truck, a mirror support slidably and rotatably mounted through the sleeves, and a mirror pivotally connected to an end portion of the mirror support and disposed in an operable position above the truck box so that a user seated in the cab of the truck can rotate the mirror support to adjust the mirror and to see most any part inside the truck box.

Abstract: Extensible mirror apparatus for a vehicle including an elongate arm having a rack gear thereon, a mirror housing mounted for moving longitudinally along the arm, and a driving motor and spur gear enclosed within the mirror housing operable to drive such along the arm for extending and retracting the mirror. An extensible and retractable flexible boot provides a cover between the vehicle and mirror housing for portions of apparatus which otherwise would be exposed upon extension of the mirror.

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: Disclosed is a projection system wherein light provided from a source passes through a prism and is then incident on an array of reflecting elements which are individually adjustable between a first and second position. Light reflected from each element re-enters the prism. Light from elements in the first position pass through the prism and into a lens. Light from elements in the second position travel through the prism, but do not enter the lens. The principal plane of the lens and the plane in which the elements are located are each parallel to the adjacent surface of the prism.

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: A beam steering apparatus including a base, an input block slidably connected to the base, and an output block slidably connected to the base. An input mirror is connected to the input block and an output mirror is connected to the output block. The input mirror is positioned to receive a light beam and to steer the light beam to the output mirror, and the output mirror is positioned to redirect the light beam to a target. The terminal portion of the light beam is adjustable in a first orthogonal direction by sliding the input block relative to the base, and in a second orthogonal direction by sliding the output block relative to the base. The input mirror is rotatably connected to the input block and the output mirror is rotatably connected to the output block. An angle of incidence of the output beam relative to the target is adjustable in a first plane by rotating the input mirror relative to the input block, and is adjustable in a second plane by rotating the output mirror relative to the output block.

Abstract: A side mirror for a motor vehicle includes a day/night mirror having a planar reflecting surface and a blind spot mirror having a planar reflecting surface. The mirror includes a housing which covers the day/night mirror in a manner that prevents overhead lights from showing a double image. The day/night mirror reflecting surface is angled with respect to the blind spot mirror reflecting surface, and the blind spot reflecting surface is angled with respect to the day/night mirror reflecting surface in a horizontal plane when the mirror is mounted on the vehicle. Each of the mirrors is mounted on a spherical ball, and the mirrors can be moved independently of each other by a various systems having the controls remote from the mirror inside the vehicle. The systems include a cable system, or an electrical system or a mechanical system. The day/night mirror has an additional control to position the mirror for night driving as well as for day driving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror assembly which may be mounted to a vehicle to facilitate the safe forward and rearward maneuverability of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a frame having an open end and having at least one movable surface. A fixed mirror and a movable mirror are mounted within the frame such that an edge of the movable mirror impinges upon the movable surface of the frame. The movable mirror can be automatically controlled via a prime mover to move relative to the fixed mirror, the frame, and the movable surface. The movable surface is biased against an edge of the movable mirror, and is displaced by the movement of the movable mirror so as to afford a clear line of sight through the movable mirror.

Abstract: A new and improved obstruction eliminator with a circular base having a mounting end, a receiving end, and an intermediate surface therebetween. The mounting end has a suction cup thereaffixed. The intermediate surface has a pair of apertures diametrically opposed. A lever is rotatably received within the apertures of the intermediate surface of the circular base. A securement arm is secured to the lever and secured to the suction cup. A support post is secured within the receiving end of the circular base. Two mirror assemblies, each of which are rotatably secured to the support post. Two adjustable mirrors, each of which are rotatably secured to the two mirror assemblies.

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 true image mirror is provided which consists of a first structure for reflecting a virtual image of an object placed in front of it. A second structure is for reflecting a virtual image of the object placed in front of it. A component is for positioning the first reflecting structure at a right angle arrangement with the second reflecting structure. A true image will be reflected back in which items on a right side will be seen on a right side and items Ion a left side will be seen on a left side, instead of being reversed as in a typical standard mirror.

Abstract: Color optical output apparatus comprising a color dependent mirror and a pair of optical spacial modulator arrays arranged to deflect light incident thereon, the arrangement being such that an incident polychromatic beam is split by said mirror means into two spectral components, one directed to each array, and said mirror means is arranged also to receive and combine deflected beams from each array to produce a combined optical beam, the spectral response of the mirror means being the same during splitting and combining.

Abstract: A basic known mirror assembly incorporating a pair of side-by-side plane mirror members (right and left) is provided with the mirror members pivotally supported from each other along adjacent margins and relatively positionable to define an included, angle therebetween of substantially 75 degrees so as to provide to a person viewing himself or herself with side-by-side registered one-half image views together forming a single image of the person which is a true image and not an image which is reversed in front-two-rear relation. The mirror members are pivotally supported from each other through the use of hinge constructions each including a pair of hinge leaves interconnected by a living hinge zone and wherein each hinge leaf defines a hollow open ended housing.

Abstract: An optical switching device with switch elements (224) similar to digital micromirror devices (DMD). The switching element (224) resides in a trench (216) between two elevated areas on the substrate (214a, 214b). Sending and receiving fibers (218a, 218b) face each other across the trench (216) with the switch element (224) between them. When the switch is ON, light travels through lenses (220a, 220b) in the trench (216) from one fiber (218b) to the other (218a). When the switch is flipped OFF, the element (224) is activated and blocks the light from the sending fiber (218b) by reflecting or absorbing the light from the sending fiber (218b). The switch is activated and possibly deactivated by addressing electrodes (226a, 226b) under the element (224), which deflects through an air gap towards the activated electrode (226b). For better deflection angles the posts can be arranged closer to one end of the element than the other. An alternate hinge architecture is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an auxiliary side view mirror module comprising a casing configured to slidably fit over at least a portion of a mounted side view mirror and wherein the casing is supported on the side view mirror by sliding opposed channel sections over opposed edges of the side view mirror mounting, the casing including an auxiliary mirror supported alongside and co-planar with the side view mirror and further including means adapted to adjust the casing to fit side view mirror housings of different depths or thicknesses and to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: Rearview vehicle mirrors mountable on one or both sides of the vehicle to project laterally outward therefrom adjacent the windshield zone are provided with at least three independently adjustable flat faced mirrors movable in all planes to reflect to the driver's eyes rearward zones along the sides and rear of the vehicle which will simultaneously cooperate to provide the driver with a clear undistorted view of oncoming traffic all the way up to the driver's seat. Each mirror assembly has a compartment cup-shaped laterally elongated housing or casing with an open rearwardly facing mouth. Three flat faced mirrors fitting in side-by-side inboard, central and outboard relation in the housing substantially close the open mouth. Stiff ball and socket joints mount the mirrors in the housing to hold them in adjusted positions while permitting them to be manipulated in all planes either manually or electrically while maintaining the mouth of the housing substantially closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a practice mirror for improving golf putting skill. The practice mirror is comprised of a generally planar reflective surface, upon which are a stance line, a target line perpendicularly intersecting the stance line, and a positioner for locating a golf ball. The positioner is located at the intersection of the stance and target lines, this intersection lying approximately at one quartile of the stance line. In operation, the golfer places the mirror on the ground, places a golf ball in the positioner and aligns his body and putter club by standing over the mirror and viewing his reflection. This allows the golfer to detect and correct body alignment errors that would otherwise go undetected, thereby improving his putting skill. In a slotted, or channel, embodiment the golfer can perform an actual putt by means of the channel.

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 side view mirror assembly for an automobile comprises a side view mirror having a reflective surface and a transparent portion, a target fixed with respect to the automobile, located behind the side view mirror, and an auxiliary mirror having a reflective surface which is considerably smaller than the reflective surface of the side view mirror attached to the rear of the side view mirror, and so inclined with respect to the side view mirror that it enables a driver of an automobile to see the target in the auxiliary mirror through the transparent portion of the side view mirror, and when the target is seen by the driver in the auxiliary mirror the line of sight of the driver looking in the side view mirror is directed toward a required blind spot area near the automobile.

Abstract: A light-reflecting device incorporates a central light-reflecting frame (10) of polygonal shape fitted with a cross bar (17) carrying at the centre a universal joint assembly (24) one element (21) of which is fixed to the cross bar (17) and the other relatively movable element (29) is formed for attachment to a supporting rod (25) and there are provided adjacent each end of the cross bar (17) a universal joint assembly (20) one element of which is fastened to the cross bar and the other relatively movable element (21) of which is attached to an edge of a respective outer light-reflecting frame (10) also of polygonal shape. In use the frames may be swung to an infinite number of positions and configurations to provide in conjunction with a given light source any desired lighting conditions. The device is also readily dismantled for easy portability.

Abstract: A vision saver for use with a computer monitor relieves eye strain, reduces focusing problems, minimizes eye convergence, reduces the number of eye and head movements by an operator using a computer keyboard with the computer monitor, and reduces glare. The vision saver comprises first and second reflecting surfaces and a supporting structure for supporting the reflecting surfaces in spaced relation in front of the computer monitor such that the first reflecting surface faces the screen of the monitor and the second reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface faces the first reflecting surface and outwardly from the screen of the monitor whereby a person can visually observe the screen of the computer monitor by viewing the second reflecting surface which can advantageously be positioned closer to the computer keyboard than the screen of the monitor.

Abstract: A wide-angle mirror attachment for an existing side mirror of a van, pick-up truck, truck, and the like, whereby all blind spots are eliminated when viewing the rear during driving. The wide-angle mirror attachment in a first embodiment is uniquely designed for a specific type of pick-up truck, and, in other embodiments is provided will a more universal-type of mount that allows it to be mounted to most types of trucks and vans.

Abstract: An auxiliary mirror that can be easily attached to a vehicle's existing rear-view mirror to improve visibility of the back seat or blind spots. The auxiliary mirror is mounted on a pair of telescoping brackets for attachment on either side and above or below the existing rear-view mirror. The pair of L-shaped brackets have intersecting back plates and arms that clamp onto the upper and lower edges of the existing rear-view mirror. The brackets are clamped with a finger nut and bolt in one embodiment and with a stiff coil spring in another.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for mounting to the windshield of a motor vehicle, comprising a flexible, molded frame having mounted therein a first mirror panel adapted to provide a view to the immediate rear of the vehicle, and an angularly adjustable second mirror panel adapted to provide an independent view to the rear, right side of the vehicle. The frame is formed with a vertically extending web separating the mirror panels from one another and defining a pivot axis for accomodating relative angular movement between the mirror panels. The mirror panels are adapted to be adjusted angularly with respect to one another within prescribed design limits whereby to provide the particular view angles desired to the rear and to the right side of the vehicle through means of an adjustable length arm mechanism which is connected to and between the frame sections to either side of the aforesaid web.

Abstract: A first mirror is mounted on a backing plate which is adjustably connected to the upper end portion of a first support arm, and a second mirror is mounted on a backing plate which is adjustably connected to the forward end portion of a second support arm. The opposite end portions of both the first and second support arms are adjustably connected to the forward end portion of a third support arm, and all of the support arms and backing plates are molded of a rigid plastics material. The rearward end portion of the third support arm is adjustably connected to a split collar or clamp which mounts on the handlebar support post or gooseneck of a bicycle. The mirrors and arms are individually adjustable and adjustable as a unit to accommodate bicycles of different sizes and bicycle riders of different sizes and to provide the rider with a forward and peripheral view when the rider has a comfortable head-down and streamlined position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an optical system which serves to multiply the change in the path length of an optical system. The system employs an even number of pairs of mirrors which are displaceable along a line or lines parallel to an axis. Each segment of the optical path is between mirrors which are oppositely displaceable, so that the length of each segment is increased by an amount equal to twice the displacement of the mirror pairs.

Abstract: An adjustable wide angle inside rear view mirror includes a stationary central mirror and a pair of extensible side mirrors which can be pulled out so that the driver has a view of other vehicles in the "blind spots" on either side of a conventional rear view mirror. The side mirrors are interconnected so that both side mirrors are extended when either one of the side mirrors is extended manually. The extension of the side mirrors is continuously adjustable, but the amount of travel is limited so that the side mirrors can be pulled out only about three-quarters of their length. The wide angle rear view mirror can be retracted to permit the driver to adjust the position of the car's sun visors, and then reextended.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a side view mirror of an automobile has an auxiliary mirror arranged on the side view mirror and having a reflective surface inclined relative to the reflective surface of the side view mirror so that when the driver sees an image of a target on the automobile body in the auxiliary mirror the line of sight of a driver looking in the side view mirror is directed toward a required blind spot area near the automobile.

Abstract: A double external rear view mirror assembly for motor vehicles and comprising a frame that supports a comparatively large flat mirror and a comparatively small convex mirror, and two actuators for pivoting the two mirrors, respectively, about their respective longitudinal and transverse axes with each of the actuators including two electric motors mounted on the frame base, a support for supporting a respective mirror in the frame, and a transmission element that connects the two motors with the support for the respective mirror to pivot the same about its longitudinal and transverse axes.

Abstract: A safety rear view mirror for vehicles with a restricted field of view is mounted in a preferred position between a standard external rear view mirror on the side of the vehicle opposite the driver's side and the vehicle. The safety rear view mirror or simply safety mirror is positioned to be observed by a driver trainer or driver assistant sealed in a seat adjacent the driver's seat. The position of the safety mirror may be such with respect to the structure of the cab of the vehicle that the safety mirror may not be observed by the driver of the vehicle, hence, that it is only accessible to the driver assistant. In a preferred embodiment the safety mirror includes a safety shield which is disposed between the reflective element of the safety mirror and the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror extension apparatus that attaches to a standard existing rear view mirror found in most automobiles and other motor vehicles. The apparatus has a mirror, a mirror frame to secure the mirror, a plurality of lateral supports to position the mirror on the frame, and a flexible mirror retainer to releasingly retain the mirror in the mirror frame. There is a mirror frame support that allows the mirror to rotate on a vertical axis and a rotating device to allow the mirror to rotate on a horizontal axis. The rotating device has a housing comprising two sections. The two sections are adjustably connected to adjust the tension of the insert spring which controls the ease of movement of the mirror around its horizontal axis. The rotating device has a first and second surface with a plurality of radial bosses and grooves, respectively, included are an insert, spring and insert gripping device to restrict rotation.

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.

Abstract: The auxiliary external rear view mirror set has a smaller auxiliary convex mirror mounted on a smooth comparatively larger base mirror so that the smaller auxiliary convex mirror may be tilted to a limited extent to more precisely position the wide angle field of view it provides. The convex mirror is attached to a tilting plate by an adhesive means. The tilting plate has a central projecting member with a cavity. A support plate attached to the smooth base mirror by another adhesive means has a corresponding central bar with a spherical head which engages in the cavity of the tilting plate so that the convex mirror and tilting plate are pivotable. Stop pieces mounted on the support plate spaced from the central bar are positioned to be engagable with offset members attached to the rear side of the tilting plate so that the tilting of the convex mirror is limited to some extent.