Abstract: A gore assembly is provided which is made from at least two metal panels. The metal panels comprise downturned flanges along opposing radial edges. The flanges point away from an A-surface of the gore assembly and face a B-surface. The panels are fastened to each other along the flanges on the radial edges. In addition, the gore assembly includes further metal reinforcement members fastened to the B-surface of the gore assembly to provide additional structural support to the gore assembly. Moreover, local attachment brackets can be fastened to the panel reinforcement members for further structural support and for mounting the gore assembly to a chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly has a mirror support and a mirror plate fitted on said support and a rear cover enclosing the sides and back of the mirror support and the attached plate. The rear cover is attachable to the mirror support and is able to be securely fastened to the mirror support by a screw threaded fastener accessed from the front of the mirror assembly without removal of the mirror plate. This solves the problem of maintaining the aerodynamic surface of the rear cover and yet having it securely fastened without the need to remove the mirror plate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical device assembly is provided. The optical device includes a housing with a moisture-resistant sealed cylindrical cavity in which first and second optical surfaces are optically coupled, the first optical surface being disposed on a first optical element that is within a first end of the cylindrical cavity and the second optical surface being disposed on a second optical element that is within a second end of the cylindrical cavity that is opposite the first end.

Abstract: A mirror head releasably fastened to a support structure, whereby the mirror head has at least one recess complementary to the support structure, into which the support structure or a partial segment of support structure is inserted and which is secured by means of a fastening device. Matching surface segments are formed in at least one recess and the corresponding surface segment of the support structure, and the fastening device is formed as an elastic component that pre-stresses ratchet surfaces in the recess and on support structure into interlocking engagement. The support structure ratchet surface may be formed on a separate locking component with a surface that at least partially matches the surface contour of the support structure, where the position of the locking component relative to the support structure can be fixed in its circumferential and axial direction.

Abstract: A light path adjusting assembly includes a supporting component and a light path adjusting component. The supporting component includes a mounting portion, a light transmission portion and a connecting portion. The light transmission portion faces to the mounting portion. The connecting portion is located between and is connected to the mounting portion and the light transmission portion, thereby forming a receiving space between the mounting portion and the light transmission portion. The light path adjusting component is disposed in the receiving space. An optical touch device using the light path adjusting assembly is also provided. The light path adjusting assembly and the optical touch device have a simple manufacturing process and a high production yield.

Abstract: Structures for radiant dryer units of a printer. A radiant dryer unit includes a reflector element that reflects light waves from a light source back towards a printable medium to dry ink printed on the medium. The reflector element includes a plurality of modular sections. Each modular section includes a base portion having a reflective surface, and includes legs that protrude from an opposing surface of the base portion. The modular sections are affixed to one another so that the reflective surfaces of the modular sections form an aggregate reflective surface that faces toward the light source of the radiant dryer unit.

Abstract: A reflective sheet includes a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer. The first reflective layer has a first index of refraction, and the second reflective layer has a second index of refraction. The first reflective layer and the second reflective layer are in contact with each other to form a contact interface, and the first index of refraction is different from the second index of refraction so as to make the contact interface be a reflective surface. A top surface of the first reflective layer opposite the contact interface serves as a light incident surface for the reflective sheet, the reflectance of the first reflective layer is larger than the reflectance of the second reflective layer, and the mechanical strength of the second reflective layer is larger than the mechanical strength of the first reflective layer.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an exterior rearview mirror, which is fixed to a vehicle door by a mirror baseplate. An opening, through which the mirror baseplate engages, is provided in an outer skin of the vehicle door, and the mirror baseplate is secured by a multi-point support and a central attachment screw. The mirror baseplate contains, at its free end, a conical attachment which engages in an opening of a door shaft reinforcement, formed as an extruded profile part, a hollow profile part, or a profiled sheet-stamped part, of the vehicle door, as a result of which the exterior rearview mirror is pre-positioned in a positionally correct fashion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The mirror baseplate is additionally supported on the door shaft reinforcement by a five-point support.

Abstract: The hybrid cool roof has a near horizontal solar reflecting surface, and a second esthetic surface, which is angled to the street view. The esthetic surface gives the hybrid cool roof the appearance of a conventional roof when viewed from street level, giving the roof a decorative appearance while having the cooling cost functionality of a conventional cool roof. At times when the sun angle is low in the sky, such as wintertime, the hybrid cool roof is able to absorb solar radiation, lowering heating costs. Thus, the hybrid cool roof has an ideal combination of the function and appearance of conventional cool roofs and traditional roofs, while mitigating the disadvantages of both.

Abstract: An indicator-integrated rearview mirror for a vehicle in which the number of components are reduced to simplify and lighten the structure thereof. A housing of a rearview mirror is divided into two of a front housing and a rear housing which are made of resin, an indicator system is supported by the front housing, and a mirror part is supported by the rear housing. Both housings are attached to each other by engagement of locking pawls with locking holes. A spherical-shaped engaging part supports the mirror part while the angle thereof can be adjusted. The rear housing is configured by integrally forming an accommodation part for the mirror part and an attachment stay part attached to the vehicle body-side, and the front housing is configured by integrally forming an accommodation part for the indicator system and a cover for covering the attachment stay part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle, a mirror casing secured to the bracket and defining a primary opening, and a single mirror support movably secured within the mirror casing disposed adjacent the primary opening. A primary mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed within the primary opening for providing a view rearward of the vehicle through a primary field of view, and a spotting mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a second field of view rearward of the vehicle, such that the first field of view of the primary mirror overlaps the second field of view of the spotting mirror.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.

Abstract: A marker for marking the location of an internal area in the human body comprising a cap unit, and at least one attachment unit affixed to the cap unit, the at least one attachment unit capable of piercing a surface of a region in response to a vertical force applied to the cap unit.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic reflective element, a photo sensor and a light concentrator. The electro-optic reflective element has a front substrate with a first surface and a transparent second surface electrically conductive coating disposed on a second surface, and the electro-optic reflective element has a rear substrate with a third surface transflective metallic reflector disposed at a third surface thereof. The photo sensor is disposed behind a fourth surface of the rear substrate and operable to detect light passing through the transflective metallic reflector and the electro-optic reflective medium disposed between the second and third surfaces. The light concentrator is disposed between the photo sensor and the fourth surface of the rear substrate, and the light concentrator receives light passing through the transflective metallic reflector of the electro-optic reflective element and concentrates light onto a light sensing surface of the photo sensor.

Abstract: The present high positioning reproducible mirror-actuator interface disclosed herein overcomes the deficiencies associated with conventional interface systems and offer a number of advantages that are disclosed herein. Generally, the mirror mounts provide a reliable and robust interface between the mirrors and actuators, that serve to move and position the mirrors, as wells as providing an interface between the mirrors and gravity compensator pins. The mirror mount is characterized as having a body that has an outer peripheral wall that includes a plurality of flexible elements around the perimeter of the body, each having a high stiffness in plane and a high flexibility out of plane. The body is open at the first end to allow flexing of the flexible elements. The flexible elements providing a direct coupling interface between the mirror mount and the mirror.

Abstract: A described embodiment provides a technology for concentrating or focusing electromagnetic energy to an arbitrary desired spatial distribution, utilizing a rotatable base, a plurality of mirrors mounted to the rotatable base, and an optical receiver that is moveable in an azimuth path relative to the plurality of mirrors. A described embodiment can comprise a driver for rotating the base and a adjusting linkage that connects the plurality of mirrors so that they track in a coordinated fashion. Another embodiment comprises an optical positioning assembly on which each mirror is mounted. An optical positioning assembly adjusts each mirror to the sun's altitude and the location for the optical receiver. This assembly is connected to the adjusting linkage so that a single driver can move all the mirrors if desired.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member is provided. The mount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end.

Abstract: An interior rearview device support assembly having a support member including a connecting end and a pivot end. A rearview device housing defines an internal cavity and includes a socket. The pivot end of the support member is coupled with the socket and is pivotable relative thereto. A sensor device is disposed inside the rearview device housing and is coupled to the support member.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a mirror assembly for a vehicle is described. The mirror assembly includes a first curved wall, a second curved wall, a bottom portion, and a top portion. The first curved wall and second curved wall each extend from the bottom portion to the top portion and are joined to one another along a respective first side of each of the first curved wall and the second curved wall. The first curved wall, second curved wall, bottom portion, and top portion define an area comprising a reflecting surface. Each respective second side of each of the first curved wall and the second curved wall extends beyond the plane defined by the area and assists in a reduction in drag when fluid flow contacts the mirror assembly.

Abstract: To avoid wind noises and to reduce soiling of mirror glass during travel in the rain, the exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle has a droplet channel in a first circumferential region of the mirror housing that includes the housing top and a separation edge in a second circumferential region on the housing bottom. The droplet channel and the separation edge overlap in a lateral region. Rain droplets that strike the mirror housing during travel flow both on the bottom housing side and on the top housing side toward the rear edge of the housing. Water droplets flowing on the bottom are collected by the separation edge and are blown away by the air flow which is directed down at the separation edge. On the housing top side, the droplets are collected by the droplet channel and conducted away laterally toward the housing bottom.

Abstract: An optical element has at least one additional element fitted thereon which dissipates the vibrational energy of the optical element by friction.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a base is attached to a door and covered with a base cover. A gasket is disposed on a door panel of the base cover, a seal portion of the gasket seals a gap between a lower side end of the base cover and the door panel. The seal portion is extended from the gasket toward the base cover side. Therefore, even if a dimension of the gap between the lower side end of the base cover and the door panel varies, the lower side end of the seal portion can be suppressed from being separated from an outer periphery of the base cover toward the inner side, the base cover can be suppressed from looking floating from the door panel, and appearance of the gap between the lower side end of the base cover and the door panel can be improved.

Abstract: A system for connecting two components in a vehicle mirror assembly is provided A first connecting member includes a tubular flange member, with a first contact surface and a first groove being provided inside the flange member. A second connecting member includes a mounting member adapted to be introduced with play into the tubular flange member, with the mounting member comprising a base body. On the base body a first retaining boss for engagement in the first groove and a guide surface arranged behind the retaining boss are provided, with the guide surface being associated to the first contact surface and inclined relative to the latter. A clamping means passes through the flange member and, when actuated, presses against a first pressure surface on the base body so that the inclined guide surface presses against the first contact surface, to thus jam the mounting member inside the flange member.

Abstract: An optical arrangement includes at least one optical element and a support element for the optical element. The optical element and the support element are connected together by way of at least three decoupling elements. The decoupling elements are formed monolithically with the optical element and with the support element.

Abstract: A monolithic substrate of glass or glass ceramics and methods for manufacturing are provided, where the substrate has a lightweight structure. The lightweight structure includes recesses that are delimited by webs, such webs forming tetragonal or four-corner-shaped pockets. Due to the lightweight structure, the weight of the substrate can be significantly reduced, and at the same time a high rigidity can be ensured. The substrate can be used as a mirror support or a mirror and can be employed terrestrially and/or extra-terrestrially.

Abstract: Efficiently suppressing chatter of a mirror face of a mirror. In a vehicle door mirror device, a case is disposed at a back face side of a mirror, a substrate unit is accommodated in the case, gap between the mirror and the case is sealed by sealing agent, thereby sealing the substrate unit. The holder, the case and the sealing agent are integrated together. A press contact tab is integrally provided to a housing box of the holder such that the press contact tab makes press contact with an anti-vibration pillar. The supporting rigidity to the mirror at the position of the substrate unit can accordingly be efficiently raised, vibration of the mirror due to the substrate unit can be efficiently suppressed, and chatter of a mirror face of the mirror can be efficiently suppressed.

Abstract: In a mirror for an automobile, the adoption of resin mirror body to a mirror plate can decrease the weight of the mirror body, and the mirror plate is fixed onto a mirror holder through the welding. Therefore, this eliminates the usage of both-sided adhesive tape or adhesive agent, makes assembly processes less complicated, and thus the reduction in production cost is achieved. Furthermore, since the mirror plate can be fixed onto the mirror holder firmly and strongly even when the mirror plate is not pressed strongly to the mirror holder, excessive load on the mirror holder or the mirror plate becomes avoided. In addition, at the time of the production stage, some dimensional variation in the edge part of the mirror holder or the peripheral edge of the mirror plate becomes easily acceptable.

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle door with an inside door part and an outside door part which are connected to an inner and outer door shaft reinforcing device, a mirror base of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror is held at a corner of the door. The mirror base is supported on a reinforcing element arranged within the vehicle door. The reinforcing element is arranged between a support of the outer door shaft reinforcing device and a further support of the inner door shaft reinforcing device.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for reducing a blind spot associated with an exterior mounted side view mirror of a vehicle is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mount assembly configured for being received about an interior intersection of the A-pillar and the door panel of the vehicle. The mirror assembly also has a mirror carried by the mount assembly and positioned within a sightline defined when the operator is viewing the exterior mounted side view mirror.

Abstract: A joint portion (11) is provided to an upper case (3) of a mirror unit tilting mechanism (1) so as to protrude therefrom. A fitting portion (21) is formed on a pivot plate (5) side so as to correspond to the joint portion (11). The joint portion (11) is formed into a hollow hemisphere shape. A support shaft (13) is provided upright at a center portion of an outer wall (12), and a spherical portion (12b) is formed in the outer wall (12). The fitting portion (21) has a hollow hemisphere dome shape and includes a spherical side wall portion (22) and a ceiling portion (23) which has a wave shape in cross section. The fitting portion (21) is lightly press-fitted to the joint portion (11) through one-touch insertion operation. The fitting portion (21) and the joint portion (11) are swingably connected to each other under a state in which curved surfaces of the spherical portion (12b) and the side wall portion (22) are held in contact with each other.

Abstract: A mirror unit of the present invention includes a base member constituted of an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion, a connecting portion connecting the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion, and wall portions. A mirror holder for holding a mirror is pivotally supported between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion. A recess is formed in the wall portions. An adjuster is mounted in the recess. Screw holes extend through the recess, and adjusting screws are engaged in the screw holes. Lifting amounts of plate portions of the adjuster can be adjusted by the adjusting screws. The tilt angle of the mirror is adjusted so that the mirror is properly tilted with respect to a light flux from either one of two lamps.

Abstract: An apparatus to practice proper dental hygiene is disclosed. The apparatus comprises (a) a base support, (b) an adjustable shaft extending upward substantially perpendicular to the base support, and (c) a console board substantially horizontal to the base support, wherein the console board comprises a plurality of designated areas. A method to practice proper dental hygiene is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprises a two-ball connector having at least one pivot ball thereon, a receiver having a plurality of fingers defining a ball receiving area, and a spring forming a circle. The spring is placed around the fingers of the receiver and the at least one pivot ball is placed into the ball receiving area of the receiver. The two-ball connector can be made of a high strength material and formed on a screw machine. The receiver does not experience a weight loss changing the torque force between ?40° Celsius and 85° Celsius, thereby substantially maintaining the torque force at a substantially constant level between ?40° Celsius and 85° Celsius.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a carbon dioxide (CO2) slab laser resonator includes a center section having a rectangular cross-section and a pair of thermal balancing bars. A concave reflecting surface formed on a front edge of a center section. The side-bars are attached to either side of the center section and extend forward of the reflective surface. Dimensions of the center section and side bars are selected to position the thermal neutral plane of the assembly close to the reflective surface. This minimizes changes the radius of curvature of the reflective surface due to heating by circulating radiation in the resonator.

Abstract: A hinge construction, suitable for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, includes a first hinge part configured for mounting on the motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected with the first hinge part via a base shaft. The second hinge part is configured to support a mirror support. In an embodiment, the base shaft is translatably connected with one of the hinge parts, the other hinge part is arranged pivotably about the base shaft, and the hinge parts cooperate via a track guide, which causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate relative to each other, and a straight guide, which cases the hinge parts upon pivoting to translate relative to each other.

Abstract: LED devices includes a lead frame having a reflector cup with a round bottom surface and a wall surface having a variable inclination with respect to the bottom surface and defining an opening at an upper end thereof. An LED is mounted on the bottom surface of the reflector cup, and an LED module includes first and second LED device that emit different colors. The first and second LED devices have substantially matched far field patterns in a first and second direction, where a first viewing angle in the first direction is less than about 99°.

Abstract: An inside rearview mirror bracket for a windscreen includes a pad portion configured to attach to an interior of the windscreen. A bridge portion is formed as a single piece with the pad portion, and a tunnel is defined by the bridge portion and the pad portion. The mirror bracket includes a mirror receptacle formed as a single piece with the bridge portion opposite the tunnel. The mirror receptacle is configured to receive a rearview mirror. A sensor member may be configured to substantially fill the tunnel, such that the sensor member is disposed intermediate the bridge portion and the windscreen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Abstract: An adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a holder base adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a holder pivotally carried on the holder base; a pivot control unit included in the holder for engaging the holder base to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base; the pivot control unit including: a compression spring disposed within a retainer opening of the holder; a bushing carried on the compression spring for engaging a bearing surface in the retainer opening; and, a retainer carried in the retainer opening and coupled to the holder base to retain the compression spring and the bushing in the retainer opening, wherein the retainer is constructed and arranged to direct the bushing laterally against the bearing surface and the compression spring biases the bushing against the retainer in sliding engagement to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base.

Abstract: A mirror support device arranged in both ends of a stick-like mirror for holding the mirror including an inner side plate, comprising a mirror insertion opening formed in the inner side plate, the mirror insertion opening for inserting an end of a mirror; an outer side plate connected to the inner side plate, comprising: a mirror stopper plate for regulating positions of a right and a left end face of the mirror inserted into the mirror insertion opening; and a clip hole, the mirror stopper plate and the clip hole being formed in the outer side plate; and a clip for fixing the mirror, the clip being inserted into the clip hole from a same direction as inserting direction of the mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel beam guiding bellows for laser cutting machine, and a method of manufacturing the beam guiding bellows for laser cutting machine, which no longer need a process of placing any special plates such as reflective plates, therefore enabling manufacturing in a shorter time at low costs.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solar ray lighting device which is capable of reducing the blocking and the shadowing of beams of light reflected by heliostats and which is capable of fixing firmly and stably a heavy and large-sized center reflector. In a beam-down type solar ray lighting device, at least three supporting blocks are assembled together to form a pyramidal shape. In addition, an outer circumferential edge of the center reflector is fixed to the supporting posts so that the outer circumferential edge of the center reflector can internally touch the supporting posts.

Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview minor assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.

Abstract: Provided is a large scale light shielding device and a light shielding method for controlling weather. A light shielding device 1 includes a shielding member 11 that shields a part or all of spectrums of sunlight, a buoyant force imparting unit 13 having buoyant members 41, and a drive mechanism 15. The shielding member 11 includes, in order to shield the part or all of the spectrums of the sunlight, a light shielding unit 35 and a light transmitting unit 37. The drive mechanism 15 includes a driving unit 21 that settles or changes a position of the light shielding device 1, and a controlling unit 25 for the driving unit 21. Buoyant force is produced by the buoyant members 41, and imparted to the light shielding device 1 in a direction opposite of gravity due to an own weight of the main body.

Abstract: A device aids the visual alignment of a ball on a hitch at the rear of a towing vehicle to a ball receiving socket on a tongue of a trailer. The device has a one-piece elongated member. The elongated member has a first end with a first flattened portion adjacent thereto and a second end with a second flattened portion adjacent thereto. The elongated member has a bend therein located between the two flattened portions. Two suction cups are attached to the first flattened portion of the elongated member. A mirror is attached to the second flattened portion of the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment each of the suction cups is associated with a stabilizer member.

Abstract: A wire harness guide for accurate placement of a wire harness onto a component and protection of the wire harness from rubbing against a surface in near proximity thereof is provided. The wire harness guide can include an elongated bracket having a channel portion extending along a length of the bracket, the channel portion located between an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flange can extend along at least a portion of the elongated bracket, as can the lower flange. A side wall can extend between the upper flange and the lower flange and a bend extending transversely across the elongated bracket can be present.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element and a mounting assembly for adjustably mounting the mirror assembly at a portion of the equipped vehicle. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a perimeter edge about its periphery and extending between the front and rear surfaces. The front surface generally faces a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle. The rear surface of the reflective element may be attached to an attachment surface of an attachment plate or of the mirror casing to secure the reflective element relative to the mirror casing. The perimeter edge of the reflective element may be exposed and viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the reflective element is attached to the attachment surface and when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fourth lens, a prism, and a sixth lens. The fourth lens receives a light flux incident along a first optical axis. The prism includes a reflecting surface reflecting the light flux passing through the fourth lens to a direction along a second optical axis intersecting with the first optical axis. The sixth lens receives the light flux reflected by the prism. A second group frame includes an opening portion, a prism retaining frame that is arranged in a more inner position than the opening portion and in which the prism is contained, and a plurality of adhesive pockets arranged on an area around the prism retaining frame and being open to the side of the opening portion. Adhesive agent is filled in the adhesive pockets.