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

Abstract: A double walled mirror carrier plate is disclosed for an external rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, the assembly including a mirror holder for attachment to the vehicle, a housing pivotably secured to the mirror holder so as to pivot around a pivot axis, and a mirror pane disposed within the housing. One embodiment of the carrier plate includes a base plate defining a curved substantially U-shaped first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion has a radius of curvature along the end portion extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The end portion curves substantially around the pivot axis, the mirror pane being securable to the base plate spaced from the first end portion. Other carrier plate designs and related mirror assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror. A body is adapted to couple to and support the mirror in multiple of orientations to allow the mirror to reflect light from and to multiple areas. Multiple tabs are coupled to the body and adapted to interfere with adjacent portions of a car seat, to which the body is mounted, and a rear ledge of a car to inhibit the body from moving relative to the car seat.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an exchangeable mirror element.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base. The mirror head is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the mirror base from a position of use into a parking position. A securing device exerting a securing force onto the mirror head at least in the parking position is provided. A tension spring exerting a spring force onto the mirror head is also provided, wherein the securing force counteracts the spring force. A cam disc is pivotably supported on the mirror base about a second pivot axis, wherein the mirror head has a support and wherein the tension spring has a first end connected to the cam disc and a second end connected to the support.

Abstract: A vehicle windscreen accessory comprising a body member, an adjustable support structure for the body member whereby the position of the body member can be adjusted, the body member comprising a mirror member and a loudspeaker having a bending wave panel-form acoustic member, the mirror member and panel-form member being integral. The accessory can be in the form of, e.g., a sun visor or a rear view mirror.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected foldably to the mirror base. An electrical line extends through the mirror base to an electrical consumer arranged in the mirror head. The electrical line has a first line section arranged in the mirror base and a second line section arranged in the mirror head. A first plug part is connected to the first line section and a second plug part is connected to the second line section. The first and second plug parts detachably connect the first line section and the second line section to one another. The first and second plug parts become detached from one another when the mirror head is folded from the position of use into a folded position and are reconnected automatically when the mirror head is moved back into the position of use.

Abstract: Adjustable rearview mirror for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a water craft, having a drive housing that is connected to a mirror carrier in a rotationally secured manner, with the connection between the mirror carrier and the drive housing being a snap connection.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror assembly.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: A flexible mirror assembly is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mold line structure unit having a flexible mirror surface secured to a flexible panel. An actuator induces deformation of the flexible mirror surface such that it alters an angle at which the mirror surface reflects light.

Abstract: Various configurations of a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator in combination with a mirror to compensate for chromatic dispersion. A VIPA generator produces a light traveling from the VIPA generator. In some embodiments, a variable curvature mirror is positioned to reflect the light back to the VIPA generator. A rotation axis around which the mirror is rotated and a translation path for the rotation axis are provided, to change the curvature of the mirror where the output light is reflected. In other embodiments, a plurality of mirrors have different surface curvatures. A holder has a rotation axis and holds the plurality of mirrors equidistantly from the rotation axis. The holder is rotatable around the rotation axis to bring a different, respective mirror in position to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator back to the VIPA generator. In other embodiments, a rotating mirror is rotatable about a rotation axis to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator to a respective fixed mirror.

Abstract: A micromirror for fast beam steering and method of fabricating the same. The micromirror of the present invention is lightweight and optically flat, and includes a tensile membrane that is stretched under high tension across a rigid single-crystal silicon support rib structure. A thin layer of gold may be deposited on the polysilicon membrane to improve reflectivity. The tensile stress in the membrane gives the micromirror a very high resonant frequency, thereby allowing the mirror to be scanned at high frequencies without exciting resonant nodes that may compromise the flatness of the optical surface and ruin its optical properties. The tensile stress also causes the optical surface to be stretched flat. The micromirror of the present invention may be actuated by a staggered torsional electrostatic combdrive.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket, a mirror subassembly, and a support which is supported by the mounting bracket. The mirror subassembly is supported by the support and is mounted for selective movement along the support arm to one of a plurality of viewing positions. The mirror subassembly includes a housing, a reflective element, and an actuator which supports the reflective element on a forward facing wall of the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a clamping assembly which provides a force to urge frictional engagement between the housing and the support to limit movement of the mirror subassembly along the support. In preferred form, the support extends into the housing and frictionally engages an exterior surface of the forward facing wall.

Abstract: A fastening member for securing a rearview mirror housing to a vehicle and a related rearview mirror assembly are disclosed. The housing has a mirror carrier plate secured therein and defining an opening extending through the housing, the mirror carrier plate including at least one fastening connector disposed adjacent the opening. The fastening member includes a first support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first support arm for securing to the vehicle, a second support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second support arm for securing to the vehicle, the second support arm extending substantially parallel to the first support arm, and a connecting piece extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second support arms and formed integrally with the first and second support arms.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjustable installation of band plate-like members facilitates the separate adjustment of a cylindrical mirror in the normal direction of the reflecting face of the mirror, in a direction intersecting the normal direction, and the orientation of the reflecting face. A mirror holder housing a cylindrical mirror is disposed in a frame. Support shafts of the mirror holder penetrate holder plates attached slidably to the frame. Adjustment plates are linked to the ends of the support shafts from outside the holder plates, which are slid to allow the mirror holder to move in the normal direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror. The adjustment plate is rotated with respect to the holder plate to rotate about the support shafts and slides with respect to the holder plate and moves in a direction different from the normal direction to adjust the magnification, register, and skew of the mirror.

Abstract: A micromachined apparatus for reflecting light is described that is designed to reduce losses in quality or intensity of light. Mirrors are used having lengths that are longer than their widths to reduce clipping of light when a mirror is located at an angle with respect to light falling thereon. Relatively long mirror torsion components are used to reduce forces required to pivot the mirrors. Regardless of the dimensions of the mirrors and the use of long torsion components, the mirrors are still located relatively close to one another. The relatively close positioning of the mirrors is due to a combined use of notches formed in support frames to which the torsion components are secured, oval shapes of the mirrors which take up less space than rectangular shapes, matching oval openings in the support frames, and the arrangement of the support frames in a non-rectangular array wherein tips of the support frames are located between one another.

Abstract: An improved fender mirror mount for use with plastic fenders provides a durable mount for all vehicle operations, reduces normal stresses at the mounting points, reduces vibrations to the mirror, is simple to install, and reduces the maintenance cost of vehicles with plastic fenders. The mirror mount assembly transfers forces acting upon the free end of the mirror guide bar into planar forces at the mounting points acting in the planes of the fender. The assembly comprises an upright guide bar mounted at its lower portion to the fender, a mirror movably mounted to the upper portion of the guide bar, a front brace that secures the guide bar to the top of the fender, and a side brace that secures the guide bar to the rearward sidewall of the fender. Connections between the guide bar, the braces and the fender are made using rubber collars and grommets to isolate the assembly from fender vibrations.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for an object in an ultramicropore space has a lens system so that an incidence point P with the diameter in a range from 0.3 to 0.7 mm comes to a position in a range of 12 to 17 mm away from the front side of an object lens 30. At the same time a reflection mirror 15 is positioned with a reflection mirror mounting member 8 formed with the V-shaped form in front of the object lens 30 and a reflection mirror holding frame 8 at the position of the incidence point. This arrangement is useful fir example to observe a soldered section 52 of an IC chip 50 by inserting this reflection mirror 15 into the ultramicropore space.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle includes a light-emitting information display providing a variety of information to the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. The light-emitting information display includes a light-emitting display element providing information concerning one or more of vehicle related status or warning information including supplemental inflatable restraint system information, vehicle accessory information, communication information, directional information, weather information, traffic information, and toll booth information. Preferably, the display includes indicia and at least one light source for backlighting the indicia such that information is displayed by light transmission and/or spectral absorption.

Abstract: A side rear-view mirror retrofit wiper assembly including a housing member that is sized to be positioning about the one side rear-view mirror assembly to allow the one side rear-view mirror to be seated within. A wiper shield projecting outwardly from a side of the housing member and extending a vertical length of the housing. A wiper blade and a wiper arm are in communication. An arm control link is positioned adjacent the upper plate of the housing member and couples with the wiper arm. Finally, a motorized means is positioned within the housing member and has linking members coupled to a link pin that couples with the arm control link of the wiper arm to allow movable communication of the linking members with the wiper arm. The wiper arm with the arm control link provides pendulum fashion movement of the wiper blade across a mirror of the one side rear-view mirror.

Abstract: A mirror carrier plate assembly is disclosed and is slidably engageable along a sliding direction by a holding plate of a mirror housing for securing the mirror carrier plate to the housing, the holding plate having a first surface opposing the mirror carrier plate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one receiving channel extending from the second surface, the holding plate defining a penetration opening therethrough adjacent the receiving channel. The mirror carrier plate assembly includes a substantially planar mirror carrier plate having a first surface for receiving a mirror and a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one anchoring element extending from the second surface of the mirror carrier plate, the anchoring element configured to extend through the penetration opening and into the receiving channel, and being slidably receivable in the receiving channel in the sliding direction. A related rear view mirror assembly is also disclosed.

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: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. A support arm extends longitudinally between a proximal end pivotally coupled to the support base and an opposite distal end. The mirror assembly further includes a housing coupled to the support arm and slidable between a retracted position adjacent to the proximal end and an extended position adjacent to the distal end and spaced from the proximal end. A glass mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing a reflective view from the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly also includes a drive mechanism coupled between the support arm and the housing for providing both power actuated and manual sliding movement of the housing along the support arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror has a holding part and a mirror base connected by a snap connection to the holding part. A covering in the form of a sleeve encloses the mirror base and is configured to be received in a cover provided in the vehicle. The mirror base is adjustable relative to the holding part. The snap connection has a spring snap-connected to the holding part, wherein the spring has a coupling member and the mirror base is fixedly connected to the coupling member in a mounted position of the mirror base.

Abstract: A mounting for optical components, e.g. in spectroscopic apparatus, has a rotatable baseplate 10, on which a plurality of quadrant-shaped mounting plates 12 can be kinematically located. Each mounting plate 12 carries respective optical components, which can be brought into and out of an optical path by rotation of the base plate 10. One or more of the mounting plates 12 carries both a housing 14 for components such as filters 20,22 and also a beam steering mirror 24 on a bracket 16. A gap is provided between the housing 14 and the mirror 24, so that the light beam 30 in the optical path can pass unhindered through the gap when this mounting plate is in an inoperative position.

Abstract: An automobile rearview mirror mount assembly adapted to mount sensors and wiring for automotive occupancy sensing (AOS) systems for sensing the nature or type of occupant and the location of the occupant with respect to the vehicle interior, particularly AOS systems employing Keep-Out-Zone-Incursion (KOZI) sensors. The mirror mount assembly provides a protected conduit for AOS wiring independent of the windshield, allowing windshield replacement without the removal or possible damage to the wiring. The mirror mounting assembly is characterised by a elongated cantilevered arm extension of the mirror mount, the arm being pivoted from the vehicle roof or a roof- or header-mounted AOS console, The mirror mounting assembly includes a bracket incorporating one or more AOS sensor(s), preferably a Keep-Out-Zone-Incursion (KOZI) sensor(s). The cantilevered arm carries the electronic connections linking the sensors to the AOS system.

Abstract: An optical mirror system in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The optical mirror system comprises a mirror frame and an optical surface coupled to the mirror frame. The mirror system further includes an electrostatic shield coupled to optical surface and the mirror frame and an electrode system for causing the optical surface to be rotated without being deformed. In operation, primary and secondary electrodes are utilized. Differential capacitive sensing may be used to reduce the noise in the sense signal. The mirror can be fabricated using standard surface-micromachining processes, and aside from one-time assembly operations, the device has no frictional wear.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).

Abstract: A mirror surface angle adjusting device is provided which can be used at both left and right outer mirror devices of a vehicle. At a mirror driving unit, positional relationships between respective points (fulcrum of swinging A1 and A2, first adjusting points B1 and B2, second adjusting points C1 and C2, first mounting points D1 and D2, second mounting points E1 and E2, and third mounting points F1 and F2) are set such that the points have line symmetry with respect to 45° direction reference lines P1, P2. Accordingly, from a functional standpoint as well, there are no obstacles at a time of mounting, and as a result, a same type of mirror driving unit can be used at both a left door mirror device and a right door mirror device.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable between a position of use and a parking position. A locking member locks the mirror head in the parking position. The mirror head has a counter locking member interacting in a locking position with the locking member for locking the mirror head in the parking position. A guide guides the counter locking member from the locking position into a release position when the mirror head is moved from the parking position into the position of use.

Abstract: An adjustable rear-view mirror apparatus for a road vehicle has a drive for rotating the mirror to an angle determined by a control signal thereto. The drive includes an output gear driven by a drive gear rotated by a motor. A leaf spring carries the drive gear and biasses it into engagement with the output gear while allowing separation of the gears when a predetermined loading on the gears is exceeded.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror support, a mirror housing, and a ball joint having a ball head, wherein mirror housing and the mirror support are connected to one another by the ball joint. At least one electrically operated component is mounted in the mirror housing and has an electrical line connected to a power source for supplying electric current to the at least one electrically operated component. The ball head has at least one slot located laterally in a side of the ball head. The slot allows lateral passage of the electric line into the ball head.

Abstract: A rear and side view mirror device for allowing one to inspect one's ear for certain buildup of wax and dirt. The rear and side view mirror device includes an elongate support assembly including an elongate support member having ends; and also includes connectors being pivotally attached to the elongate support assembly; and further includes mirror members being pivotally attached to the connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external rear view mirror of a motor vehicle with a glass subassembly, at least one electrical function element, more particularly an adjustment drive and/or a lighting device and/or a folding drive and/or a heating element, and a support element, to which the electrical function element can be secured. In order to increase the electrical operational reliability of the external rear view mirror and to facilitate the assembly of the cabling, the support element (1) includes at least one electrical conductor path (6), to whose first end (7, 13, 14, 15, 17) an electrical function element (3, 4, 5) can be connected and to whose second end (19) a power supply of the motor vehicle can be connected.

Abstract: A sun barrier, sign, screen or reflector or combination thereof. The barrier may be used, for instance, for reducing the sun exposure to the interior of an automobile. The barrier includes a flexible, cloth-like panel and a barrier control element with the control element selectively positioning the panel to a generally planar condition or a coiled storage condition. The control element may be a coiled strip spring or constant force spring attached to one edge of the barrier panel.

Abstract: A micromechanical micromotion amplifier has an integrated structure formed primarily of silicon and comprises a plurality of long slender flexible beams which are released from a silicon substrate for movement with respect to fixed points of reference upon the substrate. By arranging these beams in cooperating perpendicular pairs as micromotion amplifier stages, an input axial force/movement applied to a moveable free end of a first beam generates a transverse motion or buckling movement which in turn, translates or induces buckling movement in the connected second beam. The resultant output buckling of the second beam is an order of magnitude greater than the initial movement applied as an input to the first beam. Thus, beam pairs can be arranged as micromotion amplifier stages to amplify minute amounts of movement. Beam pairs or stages can also be cascaded to form integrated devices capable of producing greatly increased measurable effects in response to minute amounts of input.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film applique adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A wavelength-selective mirror selector. A substantially planar wavelength-selective selective mirror holder is disposed askew to a common optical pathway. The holder has a plurality of mirrors mounted thereon and an axle attached normal thereto for rotating the holder so as to place a selected one of the mirrors in the common optical pathway. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the mirror holder, either selectively or continuously. When a selected mirror is placed in the common optical pathway, the pathway is split so that an excitation light beam of one wavelength traveling along a source optical pathway from a light source is reflected by the mirror along the common optical pathway toward a sample, while light of a different wavelength propagating back along the common optical pathway passes through the mirror to travel along a detector optical pathway to a detector.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a bracket is divided into a frame and a case member. Thus, the frame and the like for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side can both hold a mirror at a vehicle rear side thereof. A mounting hole and a supporting hole of a case member are provided to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane which passes through a widthwise direction center of the case member. Thus, even if a common case member is used both for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side by left and right sides of the case member being reversed, the mounting hole of the case member can be mounted to the frame and the like for the vehicle right side and the vehicle left side.

Abstract: An optical mirror system with multi-axis rotational control is disclosed. The mirror system includes an optical surface assembly, and at least one leg assembly coupled to the optical surface assembly. The at least one leg assembly supports the optical surface above a substrate. A system and method in accordance with the present invention can operate with many different actuator mechanisms, including but not limited to, electrostatic, thermal, piezoelectric, and magnetic. An optical mirror system in accordance with the present invention accommodates large mirrors and rotation angles. Scanning mirrors can be made with this technique using standard surface-micromachining processes, or a deep RIE etch process. A device in accordance with the present invention meets the requirements for a directly scalable, high port count optical switch, utilizing a two mirror per optical I/O port configuration.

Abstract: A bistable optical micro-switch controls the routing of an optical beam. The micro-switch has at least one optical micro-element, which is stable through electrical power interrupts, for directing the optical beam. A change in the state of the optical micro-element is effected by a vertical micro-actuator, which is biased by a micro-spring. A micro-latch can be used to keep the tensed micro-spring from un-tensing when electrical power is interrupted. A micro-latch holds the micro-element in at least one mechanically tensed, stable state.

Abstract: A door mirror structure is provided which can improve assembly workability of a door mirror. A cord is pulled out from a base end portion of a door mirror body. In an overhanging portion of a door mirror base, a slot is formed in place of a conventional cord insertion hole. Therefore, at a door mirror assembly line, the cord can easily be inserted into the slot from an arrow A direction. As a result, the assembly workability of the door mirror can be improved.

Abstract: A rear mounted mirror assembly for motor vehicles including a base member coupled with respect to a rear of a motor vehicle. The base member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate each have opposed upper and lower edges and opposed inner and outer edges. The first plate is fixedly secured to the rear of the motor vehicle. The inner edges of the first and second plate are joined by a hinge whereby the second plate is foldable between a first position essentially in a coplanar relationship with the first plate and a second position essentially perpendicular to the first plate. A telescoping rod is secured to the base member. A convex mirror is secured to an upper end of the telescoping rod.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting a mirror glass to a mounting bar, the mirror mounting assembly including a base member for attachment to the mounting bar and defining a spherical surface, and a first slide member secured to the base member and defining a spherical surface. A mirror housing for supporting the mirror glass is disposed between the first slide member and the base member, the mirror housing defining a first spherical surface contacting the spherical surface of the base member and a second spherical surface opposite the first spherical surface. A second slide member is slidably secured to the base member disposed between the first slide member and the mirror housing, the second slide member defining a first spherical surface contacting the spherical surface of the first slide member and a second spherical surface contacting the second spherical surface of the mirror housing.

Abstract: The device according to the invention is characterized in that a toothed rack (7) is articulated to the mirror foot (2) into which a toothed wheel (6) engages which is moved by a drive (5) fastened to the mirror frame (1). The mirror frame (1) is also articulated to the mirror foot (2) via an intermediate joint (8) articulated via a second rotating axle (10) different from the first. A hooked spring (12) which locks the mirror frame (1) to the mirror foot (2) enables the mirror frame (1) to move between two predetermined positions. The mirror frame can be moved from any position thereof by the drive (5) into the two positions and between the two positions.