Abstract: A laser beam reflected off a polygon mirror travels below a beam portion and is reflected off a reflection mirror. The laser beam reflected off the reflection mirror is emitted through an opening formed directly below the beam portion. The beam portion is provided above the opening through leg portions. With the structure, the rigidity on the periphery of the opening can be ensured. Supporting portions for supporting the reflection mirror are reinforced by reinforcing portions, so that the reflection mirror is prevented from being vibrated. In addition, the reflection mirror is supported such that the reflection mirror does not contact the beam portion. Even when the beam portion is vibrated, the vibration is not conveyed from the beam portion to the reflection mirror.

Abstract: A mirror in which the viewer's reflection rotates clockwise or counterclockwise along with the rotation of the mirror.

Abstract: A reflective element for a vehicle mirror is attached to a tilt actuator through an interlocking panel assembly comprising a pair of panels having a matrix of interlocking stems. The panel assembly enables the reflective element to be quickly and securely mounted to the tilt actuator, and subsequently separated from the tilt actuator without the use of specialized tools.

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 micromirror actuator includes a first substrate, at least one lower electrode, a micromirror, a two part second substrate, an upper electrode, a pair of support posts, and torsion bars. In the first substrate, a trench having a predetermined shape is formed. The lower electrode is formed in the trench. The micromirror faces the trench to be operative to pivot due to electrostatic forces and selectively to reflect incident light depending on pivoting positions thereof. The parts of the second substrate are formed on a portion of the first substrate and underneath the micromirror, respectively, and prevent the deformation of the micromirror. The upper electrode is formed on a portion of the second substrate on the first substrate and applies power to the micromirror. The pair of support posts protrude from the first substrate beside both sides of the trench. The torsion bars connect both sides of the micromirror to the pair of support posts.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly of the present invention includes a circuit board disposed behind the mirror. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board and may include an LED mounted to project light through a transparent window in the flexible circuit board and through the mirror. The flexible circuit board may function as a mirror heater and may include conductive paths for connection to the LED and/or electrodes of an electrochromic mirror. The LED may include an LED chip mounted directly on the circuit board and encapsulated thereon by an encapsulant.

Abstract: A circular mirror has a frame with peripheral groove and a peripherally mounted gooseneck which is dimensioned to be wrapped around the periphery of the frame and received in the groove. According to the invention, the gooseneck is long enough so that it can be used to support the mirror in a variety of ways. For example, the gooseneck can be extended its full length with its end bent into a hook and then hung from a door. The gooseneck can also be bent into a semi-circle or similar configuration to be used as a table top stand.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror of a passenger motor vehicle has a retaining foot which can be fastened to a vehicle body in the region of a mirror triangle by fastening means. In order to simplify the installation and removal of an exterior rearview mirror of this type, the fastening means have at least one retaining bracket which is arranged on the retaining foot and is configured in such a manner that it can be hooked in gripping from behind at an edge of an opening formed in the vehicle body in the region of the mirror triangle. The fastening means have at least one latch which is arranged on the retaining foot and is mounted on the retaining foot in a manner such that it can be adjusted between an unblocking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, unblocks the edge, and a locking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, grips behind the edge.

Abstract: An interconnect bus for a microelectromechanical system is disclosed. Various attributes for an electrical trace bus that facilitate the routing of signals throughout at least a portion of the system and/or the layout of the microelectromechanical system on a wafer are disclosed.

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 rolling micromirror is disclosed which comprises a micromirror guided in movement by a reference surface. The micromirror is suspended adjacent to the reference surface by a suspension element. An actuator moves the micromirror in relationship with a control signal. The suspension element provides a restoring force that returns the micromirror to an initial position when the actuator applies less than a minimal force to the micromirror. The micromirror optionally includes a stationary or movable pivot point about which the micromirror rotates and tilts. The preferred embodiment is integrated on a single substrate and is a micro-electro-mechanical device.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device which displays image of high quality without forming poorly oriented regions that stem from the presence of pole-like spacers, yet achieving a high numerical aperture. Pole-like spacers according to the invention are provided on at least either one of a first substrate and a second substrate holding a liquid crystal layer and on the to-be-provided surface of the one substrate on the side facing the liquid crystal layer, the pole-like spacers having, at the roots thereof, a slope portion with a surface smoothly connecting to the to-be-provided surface.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror assembly, an outer mirror-holder that holds a rearview mirror is mounted to an inner mirror-holder attached to a vehicle body side. Elastic tabs disposed at the outer mirror-holder elastically press an abutment portion of the inner mirror-holder. Thus, it is possible to maintain an excellent assembled state with respect to the inner mirror-holder and the outer mirror-holder, and to reduce loosening between the inner mirror-holder and the outer mirror-holder. It is therefore also possible to suppress vibration of the mirror with respect to the inner mirror-holder and to improve anti-chattering performance of the mirror.

Abstract: A process for fabricating micro-mirrors on a silicon substrate is disclosed, which can markedly improve the flatness of micro-mirrors, reduce the scattering of incident light, and increase S/N ratio. The fabrication process comprises the steps of: forming micro-planes along a certain direction on a silicon substrate to serve as mirrors; forming a SiO2 layer on the silicon substrate; and melting the SiO2 layer on the micro-planes by a heating process and then crystallizing SiO2 again to form micro-mirrors. Further, instead of coating the SiO2 layer, a metal layer can be used to form a eutectic structure with the silicon substrate. After the micro-mirrors are formed, a layer of Au can be coated thereon to increase the reflectance of the micro-mirrors.

Abstract: An automobile accident prevention device comprising a post-type member and a mirrored-type material attached thereto,

Abstract: A rearview mirror system includes components that can be used on both the left and right side of a vehicle. Only one carrier plate need be used to mount the mirrors. By changing mounting procedure on the two identical carrier plates, one carrier plate may be used for both the right and left mirrors, thereby reducing the number of components. A wedge-shaped transition piece may be used to provide the asymmetric mounting to thereby allow for mounting on the right and left sides of vehicles.

Abstract: A universal trailer-hitch mirror system has an attachment configuration (1, 20) with a system fastener that includes a suction cup (2), a tailgate hook (3) and a base (4) for fastening the attachment configuration universally to a support object that is accessible for support of a system mirror (7) for mirror viewing of tow components (18) of a tow vehicle and trailer components (19) of a trailerable vehicle with the tow vehicle being within hitching-steerable proximity to the trailerable vehicle. The system mirror can be positioned for viewing from either a rearview mirror (14) or a side-view mirror (22). A mirror holder (5, 21) is attached orientationally to the attachment configuration with an orientation controller (6). The system mirror is attached orientationally to the mirror holder with a system-mirror joint (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror, in particular an adaptive mirror configured as a laser beam guidance component. Said mirror comprises a housing (1), to which a mirror element (4) that is optionally deformable is allocated. The aim of the invention is to construct the mirror element (4) with an oval, in particular elliptical shape.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for commercial vehicles comprises a tubular support structure having a first end fixable to a commercial vehicle and a second end extending from the commercial vehicle, and a support arm including a molded part and at least one core element. The molded part encapsulates the core element and a substantial portion of the tubular support structure. The molded part and the core element each have a respective density, the core element density being less than the molded part density, whereby the presence of the core element within the molded part reduces the overall weight of the support arm.

Abstract: In order to eliminate use of assembling equipment for assembling a holding member to a supporting member, a mirror device for a vehicle, having the holding member which holds a mirror and the supporting member which is connected to a vehicle body and assembled with the holding member, comprising an engage-member provided in one of the holding member or the supporting member, the engage-member having elasticity in a first direction and having rigidity in a second direction, and an engagement claw provided in the other of the holding member and the supporting member, the engagement claw having a protruding portion, wherein the holding member is assembled to the supporting member by the protruding portion of the engagement claw being engaged with the engage-member in the second direction due to that the protruding portion causes the engage-member to elastically deform in the first direction, and passes over the engage-member, is provided.

Abstract: A circular mirror has a frame with peripheral groove and a peripherally mounted gooseneck which is dimensioned to be wrapped around the periphery of the frame and received in the groove. According to the invention, the gooseneck is long enough so that it can be used to support the mirror in a variety of ways. For example, the gooseneck can be extended its full length with its end bent into a hook and then hung from a door. The gooseneck can also be bent into a semi-circle or similar configuration to be used as a table top stand.

Abstract: A stopper mechanism is not provided on a turning unit but is provided on a horizontal portion and a mirror assembly. Therefore, the turning unit can be used for a left outer mirror and a right outer mirror. The mirror assembly is provided with a projection of the stopper mechanism, and a base is provided with an arc groove of the stopper mechanism. Therefore, it is unnecessary to split the base into two pieces at the time of molding using a metal mold, and the base can be formed using the metal mold in a usual manner and thus, the cost of manufacturing becomes inexpensive.

Abstract: An adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle for allowing the driver of the vehicle to keep watch on a child seated in the rear seat behind the driver. The adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle includes a clamping assembly being adapted to securely clamp to a child's car seat or inside of a passenger compartment of a vehicle; and also includes a mirror and sound support assembly including an elongate support member having a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the clamping assembly; and further includes a mirror and sound assembly being adjustably mounted to the mirror and sound support assembly; and also includes a mirror and sound system control assembly for adjusting positioning, volume, and lighting of the mirror and sound assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting and adjusting an instrument, the received or transmitted radiation of which must accurately hit its receptor or target, is provided. The assembly includes a base which is mounted to a wall or beam, a pedestal connected to the base and an instrument or instrument mount connected to the pedestal. The instrument may rotate with respect to the pedestal about a first axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the pedestal and about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. This enables the position of the instrument to be easily adjusted in order to enable the assembly to be used at various locations, and for different uses.

Abstract: In order to increase the field of vision in cars, there are accessory rear-view mirrors that are fitted to a rear support, and are assembled by being placed over and firmly attached to the conventional rear-view mirror. These accessories are well known as having an excessive weight and being attached to the interior rear-view mirror using inadequate means.

Abstract: A wavefront aberration correction system for an adaptive optic such as a deformable mirror uses many correction units, each having a force-applying member attached to the back surface of the adaptive optic at a specified position and an actuator connected to it through a force-communicating device. The actuators are disposed outside the perimeter of the adaptive optic. The force-communicating device may include a lever or a bell-crank supported rotatably around a pivot such as a flexural pivot and redirects the force of the actuator.

Abstract: A mirror support structure includes a mirror holder and a detachably attachable single unit which, when attached to the mirror holder after a mirror has been inserted in the mirror holder, applies bias forces to the mirror. The bias forces are applied so as to press against a front surface of the mirror in the vicinities of the two fixed points and the adjustable point, which tilts the mirror, so that the back surface of the mirror touches the two fixed points and the adjustable point. The single unit includes flexible parts, which apply bias forces to the front surface of the mirror in the vicinities of the two fixed points, and a flexible part which applies a bias force, that is less than the bias forces applied in the vicinities of the two fixed points, to the front surface of the mirror in the vicinity of the adjustable point.

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 motorized mirror actuator is disclosed which includes a movable ramp having upwardly facing angled surfaces for urging a cam element in and out of the normal viewing position, thereby moving the rear view mirror into a position which will enable the driver to see his blind spot. A small electric motor is sufficient to drive the mirror in and out of the appropriate angle for viewing the “blind spot” for the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle is securable to a tubular member that defines a central axis and is secured to the vehicle. The mirror assembly comprises a clamping assembly including a concave surface that is engagable with the tubular member. A housing is coupled to the clamping assembly and supports a mirror. A latching assembly engages the clamping assembly and the housing and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the housing is held substantially fixed with respect to the tubular member. In the unlatched position, the clamping assembly is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis and is pivotable about the central axis, and the housing is pivotable with respect to the clamping assembly about a pin axis that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly blowmolded carrier for vehicles and method of blowmolding the carrier are provided. The mirror assembly has a blowmolded carrier with a hollow space and a recess to affix a mirror element.

Abstract: A micro-mirror array that is useful, for example, in a reflective spatial light modulator. In one embodiment, the micro mirror array includes spacer support walls, a vertical torsion hinge, and a mirror plate, all being fabricated from a single wafer. The micro-mirror array has a large fill ratio.

Abstract: Optical-element mountings are disclosed for holding an optical element relative to an optical column of an optical system. The optical element can have mounting protrusions extending therefrom or lack such features. An exemplary embodiment of a mounting has a respective-holding device mounted to each mounting protrusion. Each holding device has a first spring-loaded support member providing rigid support of the element in a gravity direction and flexible support in tangential, radial, and tilt directions. Each holding device also can include a second spring-loaded support member providing rigid support of the element in tangential directions and flexible support in the gravity and radial directions. Another embodiment includes multiple holding devices at respective locations relative to a mounting surface of the element. Each holding device includes a respective linking unit extending from the optical column to a respective bonding member attached to a bonding location on the mounting surface.

Abstract: A mirror attached to a weapon such as a rifle, pistol or shotgun. The gun mirror is a slightly convex mirror seated in a flexible seat which is anchored to a weapon by flexible legs which may be magnetic or have a threaded fastener or have hook/loop fasteners.

Abstract: In order that an image photographed by a monitoring mechanism can be stable even in a case in which vibration of a vehicle is transmitted to a hosing, a mirror device for a vehicle comprising a housing, provided at a vehicle, which holds a mirror and covers a back surface side of the mirror, a photographing mechanism, provided within the housing, which has a lens and photographs a status in a direction in which the lens is oriented, a fixing member, fixed to one of the housing or the mirror, which fixes one of the lens or the vicinity of the lens of the photographing mechanism, is provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises an afocal lens and mirror assembly comprising an objective lens which gathers light from an object and a field lens which transmits light to a driver's eye to provide an image having sufficient brightness, clarity, and accuracy. The light passing between the objective lens and the field lens is conditioned through an assembly of lenses and reflective elements to produce the image.

Abstract: A rearview truck mirror and wiper assembly for improving the rear view for truckers by keeping the mirror clean and lighted.

Abstract: An automatic optical lens sun shield comprises an elastic clip cartridge, a rotary connector and a tinted transparent optical lens screen. The elastic clip cartridge is constructed with spring clamp frames which can be pulled outward and clipped on an original padded visor as well as detached from the original padded visor without using any hand tool. The rotary connector is constructed with a positioning pivot shaft which drives the positioning pad to rotate. Thereby, the radiating teeth at the bottom of the positioning pad is engaged to the radiating positioning teeth of the rotating connector. Therefore, the rotary connector can rotate under the clip cartridge and is securely positioned thereon. The lower part of the rotary connector is formed with at least one pivot groove. The tinted transparent optical lens screen is engaged to the pivot groove via a rotary shaft.

Abstract: A fillable rearview mirror assembly and method of molding a carrier for the assembly are provided. The mirror assembly has a hollow carrier that can be at least partially filled with a material having a density different than that of the carrier. A mirror can be attached to the carrier and the carrier attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for a vehicle adjustable rear-view mirror is provided, wherein the device includes a fixed portion as well as a mirror support capable of pivoting relative to the portion using a driving motor and at least one driving gear. Also a potentiometer is used for generating a signal that indicates the pivot angle between the fixed portion and the mirror support which is considered as a module. The potentiometer includes a resistive member and a wiper, one of which is coupled to a base member attached to the fixed portion while the other is connected through a friction coupling to the driving gear or to a rotating part that co-operates with the same. One of those two members comprises two abutments having an angular deviation that corresponds to the pivot angle, the fixed portion and the mirror support, while the other member comprises two counter-abutments that co-operate with said abutments.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a support for attaching the reflective element to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The reflective element is movable with respect to the support. The control is for establishing a reflective level of the reflective element and for determining a heading of the vehicle. The control includes a first circuit assembly and a second circuit assembly interconnected by at least one wire between the first and second circuit assemblies. The first circuit assembly is mounted to be movable with movement of the reflective element. The second circuit assembly is mounted substantially fixed at the support.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for a strap member in which the orientation of a surface of the strap member, such as a reflecting mirror, is adjustable. In particular, the strap member may be a cylindrical mirror for reflecting light beams to image carriers such as sensitized drums on which images are recorded in an optical reproductive scanning apparatus. The mounting mechanism allows the strap member to be readily fixed in position without causing positional changes of the strap member that would change the magnification and/or cause skew changes in scanning lines when the strap member is a cylindrical mirror in an optical scanning apparatus.

Abstract: A boundary box and a coordinate system define the length of the curve of a parabola used in constructing a parabolic trough reflector. The origin(0,0) of the coordinate system is at the top center of the boundary box. The two lower corners of the boundary box define the width, height of the parabola. These points are defined as (X1,Y1)=(−width,−height), and (X2,Y2)=(width, height). The equation defining the parabola is f(x)=a·x2, where a=−height/width2. The plot of this equation produces a parabola that fits into the boundary box, and touches the bounding box points. Within the box, two small blocks are used as anchor points for the end of the parabola.

Abstract: A temperature stabilized optical mirror is disclosed. A rotatable mirror for switching optical light signals between optical fibers is mounted on a support structure. One or more PTC (Positional Temperature Coefficient) resistors are mounted to the support structure to provide heat to the combination support structure and mirror so as to maintain the mirror and support structure above a lower limit of a selected temperature range. The PTC resistor is selected to have a switching temperature substantially equal to the lower limit of the select temperature range.

Abstract: A galvanometer mirror is capable of inclining a reflective mirror around an axis, and has springs. An end of the spring in the vicinity of a movable part is inserted into a second holder, and is then electrically connected to each of terminals. Flexible cables are soldered to these terminals, respectively. Thus, coils are able to receive currents passing through the flexible cables and the terminals, respectively.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly having a directional information display providing directional information to the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. The directional information is derived from a compass sensor disposed in a mirror housing of the interior mirror assembly. The mirror housing connects to a mirror support by a pivot member and is adjustable by a driver of the vehicle in order to set a rearward field of view of a reflective element. A second information display may be included in the assembly to display other information related to the vehicle or vehicle accessories such as one or more of vehicle related status or warning information comprising supplemental inflatable restraint system information, vehicle accessory information, communication information, status of tire inflation information, weather information, traffic information, toll booth information, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle and more particularly agricultural tractors, comprising a housing (1) for supporting and receiving a rearview mirror (2), a mounting assembly (3) for said housing (1) on a door (4) or on a body element and adjustment means (5) for the housing by means of at least one electrical motor.

Abstract: An electrochromic rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic cell, wherein the reflective element colors to a partial reflectance level in response to a drive signal applied to the cell. The rearview mirror assembly additionally includes a drive circuit which applies a pulsed drive signal to the electrochromic cell in order to establish the partial reflectance level of the reflective element. The drive circuit controls the partial reflectance level as a function of the duty cycle of the pulsed drive signal, which has a pulse repetition rate of at least approximately 10 cycles per second and preferably at least approximately 20 cycles per second. The drive circuit additionally adjusts the amplitude of the pulses as a function of the voltage developed across the electrochromic cell.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method and assembly for elevating and supporting a microstructure of a MEM system generally by engaging a positioning system of the MEM system with a first elevator lifter. The MEM system generally includes a first microstructure (such as a mirror) disposed in vertically spaced relation to a substrate. The positioning system generally includes an actuator assembly movably interconnected with the substrate, an elevator pivotally interconnected with the substrate and further interconnected with the microstructure, and a tether interconnecting the actuator assembly and the elevator. The first elevator lifter is provided to engage the elevator to lift/elevate the microstructure away from the substrate generally after fabrication of the MEM system and prior to utilizing the microstructure in operation of the MEM system.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a visor which houses a mirror main body (a mirror), a stay cover provided between the visor and the vehicle, and a base which is assembled so as to pass through the stay cover. In the present invention, in a state in which inclined surfaces formed at both the stay cover and the visor press-contact one another, the stay cover is nipped by the base and the visor. The stay cover is held by nipping force of the base and the visor such that the visor and the stay cover are assembled without gaps therebetween, without a need to separately prepare a fixing member of the stay cover.