Abstract: Ribbed mirrors allowing heat to be conducted past the glass during optical polish and application of coatings and methods of fabricating same. The method comprises placing a bridge of thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the mirror plate and the supporting rib at the interior angle. The preferred thermally conductive material is RTV silicone. However, the RTV silicone can be mixed with a powdered heat conductor such as diamond dust, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. Alternatively, the thermally conductive fillet can be made from a segment of thermally conductive rigid material, such as copper, diamond, beryllium, silver and aluminum having an exterior angle matching the interior angle and a thermally conductive plastic such as RTV silicone or thermally conductive grease, silicone or epoxy applied to surfaces of the exterior angle.

Abstract: A telescope has a primary light mirror structure including a central base, and a concave primary mirror having a central opening in which the central base is received and extending radially outwardly from the central opening. The concave primary mirror has an inner margin adjacent to the central opening. A secondary light mirror structure includes a secondary mirror having a center and an outer periphery. The secondary mirror faces the concave primary mirror and the central base of the primary light mirror structure. A spider support extends between the inner margin of the concave primary mirror and the center of the secondary mirror facing the central base. The spider support does not extend to the outer periphery of the secondary mirror. The spider support has openings therethrough to permit light rays to pass between the secondary mirror and the central base of the primary light mirror structure.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided, wherein the optical structure has at least one mounting surface. The mount has a mounting section with at least one surface extending therealong for receipt thereagainst of a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure. The at least one surface of the mounting section has at least one opening extending therethrough, or at least one cavity therein, for receipt of adhesive. The adhesive will at least partially fill the at least one opening/cavity and touch a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure in order to mount the optical structure.

Abstract: A motion control stage assembly includes a payload assembly and a base assembly joined together with connecting elements. The connecting elements provide degenerate support between the base and the payload such that a desired trajectory of the payload with respect to the base is relatively unconstrained. The connecting element assemblies are substantially planar, and each includes a first connecting element with a first intermediate point, a second connecting element with a second intermediate point, and a secondary connecting element that joins the first and second connecting elements at the first and second intermediate points. The first and the second connecting elements may be formed integrally with each other, of materials including a semiconductor material, a resilient metal or a plastic, and by processes including micromachining, wire-electrical-discharge machining, or injection molding.

Abstract: A conical rotary joint is provided for a vehicle mirror assembly and the like having a fixed mount and a moveable support arm. A base is carried by one of the fixed mount and moveable arm, and a conical receptacle is carried by the base. A conical plug body is received in the conical receptacle. The conical plug is carried by the other of the fixed mount and support arm. The conical receptacle has a conical bearing surface which mates with the conical bearing surface of the conical plug. A biasing element presses the conical bearing surfaces together in a tight fit to reduce play and wear. First and second indents correspond to operating and folded positions of the support arm, and biased operator has a first deflected position in which the operator engages with a selected indent to retain the support arm in position.

Abstract: A micromirror apparatus includes a device layer having a recess, a multilayer thin-film dielectric reflector coupled to and structurally supported by the device layer on the opposite side of the device layer from said recess, and a stress compensator seated in the recess, with the stress compensator operable to resist device layer bending moments resulting from intrinsic and thermal mismatch stresses between the multilayer thin-film dielectric reflector and the device layer.

Abstract: A scanning module of an image scanner for scanning a document is provided. The scanning module of the image scanner includes a base, a reflective mirror stand, a shaft, a reflective mirror member and a gear set. The reflective mirror stand is mounted on the base. The shaft is rotatably mounted on the reflective mirror stand. The reflective mirror member is fixed on the shaft and rotated with the shaft. The gear set is pivotally coupled to the shaft for rotating and driving the shaft to adjust the reflective angle of the reflective mirror member, which is fixed on the shaft.

Abstract: An interior mirror (01) for a motor vehicle having a carrier arm (06) which can be mounted in the vehicle and having an adjustment mechanism (04) which is adjustably mounted on the carrying arm (06), whereby a wedge mirror glass (03) is directly or indirectly mounted on the adjustment mechanism (04) and whereby the wedge mirror glass (03) is adjustable between a normal position and an anti-glare position by operation of the adjustment mechanism (04) and whereby a drive mechanism (05) is provided for operation of the adjustment mechanism (04). At least one elastic tension element (31) is provided in the interior mirror (01); with this tension element, the adjustment mechanism (04) is put under elastic tension in the normal position and/or in the anti-glare position.

Abstract: A mirror assembly particularly adapted for use with an exterior automotive fender includes a plastic housing and plastic reflective surface element or lens. The housing has a slot formed therein which receives a tab formed on the lens to enable the housing and the lens to be snap-fitted together.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror comprises a carrier plate, an electronic component unit mounted on one face of the carrier plate, and a mirror mounted on the other face of the carrier plate. A protective housing is supported by the carrier plate, the housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit and carrier plate. A support bracket assembly extends from the carrier plate through the housing to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit preferably includes a card reader having a card slot exposed by the housing. In another embodiment, an RF antenna is connected to circuitry included in the electronic component, the antenna preferably being mounted in the support bracket assembly. In yet another embodiment, a visual display is provided for displaying information provided by the electronic component unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preventing a half mirror used as a decorative panel of an electronic device from being burned by charged static electricity and having deteriorated appearance, by providing a practical method for providing a ground connection of the half mirror using a soft elastic conductive member to prevent the half mirror from being damaged and to enable easy connection with a rough size accuracy. An electronic device comprises a conductive chassis and a half mirror constituting at least a portion of a decorative panel formed on a front face thereof, wherein an elastic conductive member compressed between a vapor deposited layer formed to an inner surface of the half mirror and a contact surface of the chassis is arranged so that a static electricity charged in the half mirror is conducted via the elastic conductive member toward the conductive chassis.

Abstract: A connection sleeve having an open hollow end portion and being carried by one of the mirror support arm and the vehicle mount. A connector shaft carried by one of the mirror support arm and the vehicle mount for being received within the connection sleeve. A longitudinal wedge pocket formed in the connector shaft having a slanted pocket contact surface. A camming wedge disposed within the wedge pocket having a slanted bearing surface adapted to bear against the slanted pocket contact surface and the connection sleeve. An operator for moving the camming wedge into the wedge pocket against the slanted pocket contact surface whereby the wedge and connector shaft are simultaneously forced against the connection sleeve to provide a tight vibration resistant connection between a mirror support arm and a vehicle mount.

Abstract: An accessory bracket is provided for mounting an accessory, such as a mirror or other instrument, close to the field of vision of a pilot of a boat, for instance. The bracket is mounted to a tower or other structure with a mount forming a clamp so that the bracket and an attached accessory are above the lines of sight of the pilot, thereby avoiding obstructing the pilot's view of the environment of the boat. The bracket includes an arm extending from the mount and a post extending from the arm. The mount is adjustable relative to the structure, and the bracket is accordingly adjustable. The accessory is mounted to the post and is adjustable relative to the post such that the accessory may rotate around the post and may pivot relative to the post. The arm may include a hinge for raising and lowering a portion of the arm and the attached post and accessory.

Abstract: A member tilting mechanism includes a housing rear having a concave spherical portion, a cap support having a convex spherical portion, a plate pivot having a pivot portion, which is a tubular portion with an arc-like cross section, a spring plate which presses against the cap support towards the housing rear in such a manner that the plate pivot is allowed to tilt in such a state that the pivot portion is held by the concave spherical portion and the convex spherical portion, a tapping screw for fixing the spring plate to the housing rear, and a stopper that is fixed to the housing rear for restricting the deformation of the spring plate in an anti-pressing direction. According to this structure, the stopper restricts the deflection of the spring plate in the anti-pressing direction so as to prevent the excessive tilt of the plate pivot.

Abstract: A combination mirror and amusement system for entertaining and amusing a child in a vehicle. A mirror assembly attachable to a vehicle seat includes a mirror and a frame surrounding the mirror. The frame has at least one ornamented portion and at least one appearing character portion. The appearing character portion in turn includes a sheet of plastic film having a visible front side and a reverse side. The sheet of plastic film has the characteristic of a “one-way” mirror which appears as a mirrored surface on the front side in the absence of illumination from the reverse side. A character image is printed on the reverse side A lamp behind the reverse side renders the character image visible from said front side when illuminated.

Abstract: A mirror support plate for use with vehicles, which can be attached to a holder by way of a chucking and sliding connection. The support plate is provided with two ridges which protrude from its back and include at least one projection which extends towards the other ridge in such manner that the border region of the holder can be inserted between the back of the holder and the projections. The mirror support plate includes a first elastic element and second elastic element, which function as upper and lower elements. The elastic elements are designed so that as the holder is inserted, it elastically deforms the lower one of the first and second elastic elements towards the back of the mirror support plate allowing outer edges of the holder to move into frictional contact with the projections and the back of the support plate and its upper end into interlocking contact with the upper of the first and second elastic elements.

Abstract: A deployable reflector of the invention includes connection members that bridge plural extendable structures constituting a deployable truss structure and connect portions corresponding to nodes of a buckling mode occurring in the extendable structures when a surface cable system is given tension, with portions corresponding to antinodes thereof. The surface cable system includes an internal surface cable system and a circumferential surface cable system connected to the outer circumference thereof. A cable used for the internal surface cable system is high in stiffness and small in ratio of length variation to tension variation. A cable used for the circumferential surface cable system is lower in stiffness and smaller in ratio of the tension variation to the length variation than that used for the internal surface cable system. Given tension by the deployable truss structure via the circumferential surface cable system, the internal surface cable system forms predetermined surface shape.

Abstract: A wide-angle mirror includes a back plate having an inner side formed with an annular support flange having an outer side formed with a stop ring, a mirror plate having an inner side rested on the annular support flange of the back plate and a rim rested on the stop ring of the back plate, and a plurality of press strips secured to the back plate and rested on the mirror plate. Thus, the press strips are snapped onto the back plate and rested on the mirror plate to retain the mirror plate on the back plate, so that the wide-angle mirror is assembled easily and rapidly.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises an electro-optic mirror unit whose reflectivity is variable in response to an electrical voltage applied thereto. At least one light sensor is included and an electrical circuit controls operation of the mirror unit in response to the at least one light sensor. The mirror unit is mounted on one side of a backplate that comprises an electrically non-conductive material comprising a conductive lead frame.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror support mechanism has at least one reflecting mirror panel (1), a support base (3) to finally support the reflecting mirror panel (1), and at least one reflecting mirror support member (2). The reflecting mirror support member (2) has a structure in which a base section (2A) is mounted on the support base (3) and plural branch sections (2B) are mounted to the reflecting mirror panel (1).

Abstract: A bracket is provided for attaching a cylindrical strut, such as a side-view mirror support, to a motor vehicle. The bracket comprises an internal bracket adapted to be fastened to the motor vehicle and an external bracket adapted to be fastened to the internal bracket. The cylindrical strut is clamped between clamping surfaces of the internal and external brackets. The external bracket has a streamlined shape.

Abstract: An automobile rearview mirror with an LCD display comprises a front panel, a mount, a display unit housed between the front panel and the mount, a front frame, a rear shell, and a mirror. The display unit, the front panel, the mount and the mirror are contained between the rear shell and the mirror. The automobile rearview mirror thereby assembled can be installed at the location of a rearview mirror in an automobile. There are two springs disposed between the mount and the rear shell that provide the force needed to pull down the front panel and the display monitor. The slide motion is further assisted by rail sectors, corresponding slide elements, gear sectors and oil-pressure gear wheels. The automobile rearview mirror is further provided with locking pieces and releases for properly retained the position of the display unit.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system comprising a passenger-side mirror having a lower natural frequency and/or more resiliency than the driver-side mirror.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror fabrication method, which includes the steps of (a) stamping a steel plate into a back panel, which has a rib-reinforced base, a rim extending around the rib-reinforced base, (b) installing nuts in the back side of the back panel for mounting, (c) stamping a steel plate into a mirror, which has a rounded base, a rim extending around the rounded base, and an annular connected between the rounded base and the rim, and (d) roller ramming the rim of the back panel into a scrolled holding down rim portion to affix the rim of the mirror to the rim of the back panel.

Abstract: An array of micromirror array lenses is invented. The micromirror array lens consists of many micromirrors and actuating components. Each micromirror array lens is variable focal length lens with high speed focal length change. The lens can have arbitrary type and/or size as desired and desired arbitrary optical axis and can correct aberration by controlling each micromirror independently. Independent control of each micromirror is possible by known microelectronics technologies. The actuating components control the positions of micromirrors electrostatically and/or electromagnetically. The optical efficiency of the micromirror array lens is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding micromirrors and the actuating components under micromirrors. The known microelectronics technologies remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires.

Abstract: A load-bearing reinforcement structure for assisting the secure mounting of a load producing element, such as a rear-view mirror assembly, to a vehicular body is advantageously fashioned from a heat and creep resistant plastic, such as glass-reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate. The reinforcement structure features a mounting element capable of mechanically connecting the reinforcement structure to a surface of a vehicular body, such as an internal surface of a panel of a door assembly, without the need for welding, placement fixtures or use of separate fastening elements.

Abstract: According to the invention, a detachable extension mirror for mounting on the side-view mirror of the transportation device or vehicle is disclosed. The detachable extension mirror includes a reflective surface, a suction cup, a constraining element and an arm. The suction cup is configured to engage the side-view mirror of the transportation device. A target surface of the side-view mirror defines a first plane and a portion of the suction cup engages the target surface when properly installed. A lip is defined by the distal edge or edges of the portion. A constraining element that engages a back-side of the portion at a point proximate to the lip to force at least part of the lip toward the target surface.

Abstract: A mirror housing, a base, and a unit bracket are formed as separate components. As a result, the mirror housing and the base can be painted with different colors.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a vehicle external mirror having a mirror head mounted to a mirror base, the assembly comprising a first member (20), a second member (30), the first and second members (20, 30) mounted in or being part of the mirror base and the mirror head respectively, the first and second members (20, 30) having respectively first and second detent sides (24, 34), inner sides (26, 36) and apertures (28, 38) extending from the detent side (24, 34) to the inner sides (26, 36) respectively, detent means (56, 59), a spigot (50), a spring (60), means (56, 72) for applying a pre-load to the spring (60), the initial relative rotation between the second member (30) and the first member (20) in a first direction causes loading of the spring (60), the pre-load is maintained during subsequent relative rotations between the second (30) and the first member (20).

Abstract: An outside rear-view mirror suitable for a motor vehicle, particularly for a passenger car of the sports car type, is provided with a housing accommodating a mirror glass plate is connected with a carrying device having supporting arms, which carrying device is supported on a body of the passenger car. For optimizing the rear-view mirror construction, the carrying device and the housing are produced separately from one another, free ends of the supporting arms of the carrying device projecting into the housing and being connected with holding consoles of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting structure for supporting an optical element in an optical system, particularly for use in a semiconductor exposure apparatus. The supporting structure includes a first holding member having at least two supporting portions for supporting a peripheral portion of the optical system, and a second holding member for supporting the optical element, wherein the second holding member is connected to the first holding member, between the at least two supporting portions of the first holding member, through an elastic member.

Abstract: A module with various designs of signal and safety lights incorporated with a wide range rearview mirror for the exterior sides of motor vehicles. Within the module(s), a signal light(s) and a safety light(s) of varying shapes are included. The rearview mirror cover edge for the module mounting onto is designed with a curvature bending angle of at least 128 degrees within the range of 91 degrees to 180 degrees for the flashing of the signal light(s) and illumination of the safety light(s) can be seen from the rear, the side and the front. The wide range rearview mirror is a ¼ (25%) curvature reflective mirror in combination with a ¾ (75%) flat reflective mirror. This combination mirror provides minimal distortion while allowing a widened scope of view to cover the blind spot.

Abstract: A modular outside mirror assembly for a commercial vehicle incorporates an upper body anchorage, with an upper pivot linkage, a lower body anchorage with a lower pivot linkage, a first mirror and a holding arm, onto which the first mirror is fastened. The holding arm is disposed in the upper and lower pivot linkage of the upper and lower body anchorage such that the holding arm is rotatable about an axis relative to the body anchorages. Due to modular construction, a multiplicity of different mirror variants are available. In another aspect a servomotor is attached to the holding arm to pivot the holding arm against or away from a side of the vehicle about a defined turning axis.

Abstract: Micromachined passive alignment assemblies and methods of using and making the same are provided. The alignment assemblies are used to align at least one optical element. The alignment assemblies may be configured with kinematic, pseudo-kinematic, redundant or degenerate support structures. One alignment assembly comprises a base and a payload, which supports at least one optical element. The payload may be coupled to the base via connecting structures. The base, the payload and/or the connecting structures may have internal flexure assemblies for preloading a connection, thermal compensation and/or strain isolation.

Abstract: A viewing panel device, such as an infant entertainment panel, or a mirror device used inside a motor vehicle for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat secured to the rear seat of the vehicle, or a combination entertainment panel and mirror. The viewing panel device may be employed in a plurality of attachment configurations, for use with a plurality of possible vehicle configurations. In one configuration, the top tether anchorage point included in newer vehicles as part of the LATCH anchorage point system is employed.

Abstract: An outside mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror housing; an accessory part; a temporary fixing unit that temporarily fixes the accessory part to the mirror housing; and a permanent fixing unit that permanently fixes the accessory part to the mirror housing. The temporary fixing unit includes a first guide positioning part provided in the mirror housing and a second guide positioning part provided in the accessory part. The first and the second guide positioning parts perform a positioning of the accessory part with a first guide in a first direction and a second guide in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to a direction of setting the accessory part to the mirror housing, respectively, and substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A combination mirror mount and headlight glare visor that reduces headlight glare to the driver without changing the mirror height or mounting locations. The combination mirror mount and headlight glare visor maintains the field of vision requirements of FMVSS 111 for school buses and maintains the conventional mounting aspects of previous designs. The shape of the headlight visor portion is designed to substantially cover the headlight as viewed through the cross view mirror during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A solar collector comprising a glass mirror, and a composite panel, wherein the back of the mirror is affixed to a front surface of the composite panel. The composite panel comprises a front sheet affixed to a surface of a core material, preferably a core material comprising a honeycomb structure, and a back sheet affixed to an opposite surface of the core material. The invention may further comprise a sealing strip, preferably comprising EPDM, positioned between the glass mirror and the front surface of the composite panel. The invention also is of methods of making such solar collectors.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a mirror fixing method capable of reducing stress distortion of a surface of a mirror which constitutes an optical system, with hardly deforming a surface shape of the mirror. To this end, the present mirror fixing method is characterized in that a mirror part including a base plate formed with a mirror on one face thereof, is provided with a boss on the other face of the base plate opposite to the face on which the mirror is formed, and only the boss is fixed, so that the mirror part excluding the boss is not in contact with other members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outer mirror in which individual components are easy to assemble and which is superior in durability. An outer mirror includes a mirror base having a protrusion which sticks out outward from a side face of a vehicle body, a shaft being placed on the protrusion, and a mirror housing being coupled to the shaft in a rotatable fashion. Furthermore, the mirror housing includes a mirror for showing an area behind the vehicle body, and an opening on its side that faces the vehicle body.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system is disclosed that constrains the direction of a force acting on a first load, where the force originates from the interaction of the first load and a second load. In particular, the direction of a force acting on the first load is caused to be substantially parallel with a motion of the first load. This force direction constraint is achieved by a force isolator microstructure that contains no rubbing or contacting surfaces. Various embodiments of structures/methods to achieve this force direction constraint using a force isolator microstructure are disclosed.

Abstract: A door mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, a frame supporting the housing internally. The housing has a shell with a front aperture, two fixation ports and an engagement port. On the other hand, the frame has a main body to be enclosed by the shell, two fixation elements and an engagement element. The door mirror assembly further includes two fixation sections formed by fixing the two fixation ports and two fixation elements with fasteners and an engagement section formed by engaging the engagement port and engagement element. The door mirror assembly has a feature that the engagement section is adapted to be on the circumference of a circle, the center of circle lies on an axis defined by the two fixation sections, so that the rotational displacement of housing relative to the frame can be restricted.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.

Abstract: An accessory bracket is provided for mounting an accessory, such as a mirror or other instrument, close to the field of vision of a pilot of a boat, for instance. The bracket is mounted to a tower or other structure with a mount forming a clamp so that the bracket and an attached accessory are above the lines of sight of the pilot, thereby avoiding obstructing the pilot's view of the environment of the boat. The bracket includes an arm extending from the mount and a post extending from the arm. The mount is adjustable relative to the structure, and the bracket is accordingly adjustable. The accessory is mounted to the post and is adjustable relative to the post such that the accessory may rotate around the post and may pivot relative to the post. The arm may include a hinge for raising and lowering a portion of the arm and the attached post and accessory.

Abstract: A mirror with wide viewing angle and reduced image distortion, to be used as an external rear-view mirror for vehicles which is obtained monolithically by pressure injection-molding or gravity casting of a highly transparent material and its external incident surface is flat, while the reflective rear part is obtained by means of an aspheric surface which is generated by the rotation, about an axis which is ideally parallel to the centerline axis of the vehicle, of a curve which determines, with good approximation, a profile which avoids significant deformation of the reflected images.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced matrix composite mirror that eliminates the problem of “print through”. A layer of small unbundled fibers in the matrix diffuses and randomize any stresses that are created by the weave pattern of the fiber reinforcement so that the coarse texture is not transferred to the optical quality surface thus eliminating “print through”. The layer can be provided in a variety of embodiments using random fibrils, a continuous fiber mat or a weave of single or finely towed continuous fibers. The fiber reinforced mirror is constructed by adding a mixture of matrix pre-cursor and fibers or fibrils to a common graphite fiber reinforced matrix construction.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly 10 is provided. The vehicle mirror assembly 10 comprises a base 12 comprising a first base ellipsoidal portion 32 having a constant first minor axis 27? and a major longitudinal axis 38. The base 12 further comprises a second base ellipsoidal portion 34 having a second base minor axis 27? and sharing the major longitudinal axis 38. The first minor axis 27? and said second minor axis 27? are merged to form a common minor axis 27. The major longitudinal axis 38 intersects the common minor axis 27 in a position non-coincidental with a center of said common minor axis 27. The mirror assembly 10 further includes a dome lens 14 conforming to the base 12. The dome lens 14 comprises a first surface elliptical portion 48 having a longitudinal axis radius of curvature R1 taken along the major longitudinal axis 38 and a first minor radius of curvature R3 taken along the first minor axis 27?. The first surface elliptical portion 48 conforms to the first base ellipsoidal portion 32.

Abstract: An accessory bracket is provided for mounting an accessory in a desired position. A mirror other instrument may be mounted close to the field of vision of a pilot of a boat, for instance. The bracket may be mounted to a tower or other structure with a mount forming a clamp so that the bracket and an attached accessory are above the lines of sight of the pilot, thereby avoiding obstructing the pilot's view of the environment of the boat. The bracket includes an arm extending from the mount and a post extending from the arm. The mount is adjustable relative to the structure, and the bracket is accordingly adjustable. The accessory is mounted to the post and is adjustable relative to the post such that the accessory may rotate around the post and may pivot relative to the post, or vice versa. The arm may be raised and lowered. These adjustment characteristics an accessory to be mounted in a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for combining a pivoting mirror and support bracket such that the support bracket transmits little or no stresses to the torsional hinges of the mirror. The bracket includes an isolation slot extending from one edge toward a second edge and then preferably around the mounting areas of the hinge such that stresses applied to the mounting bracket will not be transmitted to each side of the mirror and thereby stress the mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of maintaining a time-constant heat load on a lithography mirror. The mirror includes a resistive layer formed on a substrate, contacts for coupling a power supply to the resistive layer, an insulating sublayer formed on the resistive layer, a polished layer formed on the insulating layer, and a reflective layer formed on the polished layer. The time-constant heat load on the lithography mirror is maintained by placing an additional electrical heat load on the mirror according to the actinic heat load transmitted by the mask. Maintaining the time-constant heat load can reduce or eliminate variation in image distortion that occurs as a result of changes in actinic heat load on the lithography mirror. Independent temperature control can be used to mitigate “cold-edge effect.