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: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a hinge. First, a wafer is provided, and a hinge region and at least two through regions are defined on the wafer. The wafer in the hinge region is partially removed from a bottom surface of the wafer. Subsequently, the wafer in the through regions is completely removed from a top surface of the wafer, and the hinge is formed. Thereafter, a wafer level test is performed on the hinge of the wafer. Next, an etching process is performed to adjust the shape of the hinge. According to the method of the present invention, the thickness of the hinge is no longer limited by the thickness of the wafer, and the hinge can accept the wafer level test.

Abstract: An optical element (50; 72a-d; 80; 90), which has a first optical member (1; 51; 86; 93; 101) with at least one indentation (2a-f; 20; 25; 30; 35; 40; 57a-c; 100) at a first surface (3) thereof, and a second optical member (5; 52; 87a-c; 94; 104) attached to the first surface (3) of the first optical member (1; 51; 86; 93; 101), this second optical member (5; 52; 87a-c; 94; 104) essentially conforming to the at least one indentation (2a-f; 20; 25; 30; 35; 40; 57a-c; 100) in the first optical member. The optical element further comprises at least one reflector (9-10; 55a-c; 85a-c; 92a-e) at an interface between the first and second optical members, the at least one reflector being located at the at least one indentation. The reflector (9-10; 55a-c; 85a-c; 92a-e) is formed by an interface between a cavity (8) formed between the first and second optical members and one of the first and second optical members.

Abstract: An infant viewing auto mirror comprising a main panel having a reflective surface (i.e., mirror) exposed in the front side or surface thereof, and a flap affixed to the rear surface thereof. The flap is releasably secured to the rear surface of the main panel through the use of complimentary snaps. In addition to the main panel, the auto mirror comprises a mounting strap which is extensible about and removably attachable to a headrest through the use of a strip of Velcro disposed adjacent one end of the strap which is itself releasably engageable to a portion of the strap adjacent the opposite end thereof. Protruding from one side of the strap in the approximate center thereof is a dome-shaped support fabricated from hard foam. Extending diametrically across the support is a strip of fabric material. When the strap is properly secured to the headrest, the foam support (and hence the strip) is forwardly presented.

Abstract: A laser mirror assembly is disclosed with improved pointing stability. An elongated mirror includes a concave reflecting portion. A pair of elongated planar portions extend parallel to the concave reflecting portion on either side thereof. The planar portions are stepped down from the reflecting portion. The mirror is formed from copper. A pair of stainless steel strips are connected to planar portions. The bimetallic effect between the copper mirror and the stainless steel strips operates to counteract the warping of the mirror due to differential heating effects which arise during operation. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of aluminum strips are mounted on the rear surface of the mirror.

Abstract: A total length of members (11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25) formed in an X-axis direction of a spring (1) is larger than a spring length of the spring (1) and larger than a total length of members (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) formed in a Y-axis direction. With this arrangement, spring constants of respective axes can be increased, and a spring constant in a direction R can be set appropriately and freely within a wider range.

Abstract: The mirror image display method is used to suspend the main subject of a decorative or presentation display in mid air. This is accomplished by affixing the flat side of a symmetrically divided main subject flush onto a true first-surface mirror, which makes up one wall of the display body and eliminates the subjects visible seam line.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including a mirror, a base and a flexible neck connecting the mirror and the base such that the neck can be manually manipulated to adjust the position of the base and the mirror relative to each other. The mirror assembly further includes a light source located on or adjacent to the mirror, and a power-source receiving receptacle located in the base, wherein the power-source receptacle cavity is electrically coupled to the light source.

Abstract: The unit comprises: a casing (1) with a protected interior, a window (2) closed by a transparent element (3) and support means (4) to carry an optical system (5) facing said window (2); image detection means (6) accommodated in said casing (1), facing said optical system (5), an associated with connection means with the exterior for the supply and/or bidirectional signal exchange; and heating means to provide thermal energy to said transparent element (3), or to an adjacent zone thereto, aiming at avoiding lacking transparency problems, due to ambient and climatic factors.

Abstract: An exterior reflective mirror element suitable for a vehicle includes a transparent glass substrate having a reflector and a visual indicator display disposed to the rear of the substrate. The visual indicator display may be part of a blind spot detection and display system of the vehicle wherein the visual indicator display is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection by a blind spot detection detector of the equipped vehicle of an overtaking vehicle in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle. The visual indicator display includes at least a first indicator at a first location to the rear of the exterior reflective mirror element. A first portion of the reflector may be at least partially removed at the first location in order to establish an at least partially transmissive first portion of the exterior reflective mirror element at the first location.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety, information and comfort device to be mounted on a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, comprises a rear-view mirror, an alphanumeric and iconographic display, sensors for measuring kinetic and environmental parameters, electronic components for measuring time and controlling said device, and an independent power supply.

Abstract: A housing structure has a frame structure 1 on which there are arranged via connecting elements 7 several optical elements 5 which are held in mounts 6 or structural modules 6?. The optical elements 5 are detachably connected to the frame structure 1 with their mounts 6 or structural modules 6? and connecting elements 7 in such a way that in the installed state they are integrated as bearing units in the frame structure 1.

Abstract: A positioning device of a vehicle exterior auxiliary rear mirror includes a connecting base, two curved arms and two fixing arms. The connecting base is integrally formed on a back of an auxiliary rear mirror near a vehicle exterior rear mirror, shaped rectangular with two pivotal connecting points properly spaced apart at one side. The curved arms have one end pivotally connected with the connecting points of the connecting base, and another end provided with two locking projections and two positioning bands crossly extended for being tightened on a rear surface of the exterior rear mirror. With the curved arms able to alter their included angle and with the fixing arms extendable to change the length, the positioning device can be positioned on diverse exterior rear mirrors.

Abstract: A surgical mirror assembly for facilitating observation of surgical procedures. The mirror assembly includes a holder and a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled to the holder in an adjustable manner. Preferably, the holder includes a superior portion for resting on a patient surface adjacent to a surgical site and a medial portion for hanging at least partially in the surgical site; wherein the mirror is coupled to the superior and medial portions of the holder in an adjustable manner to improve a field of view of the surgical site. The mirror and mirror holder may be readily placed anywhere adjacent to the surgical site so as to improve the field of view for the assistant. As a result, an assistant may observe a reflected view of the surgical site as the surgeon works.

Abstract: A table comprising a base and a plurality of support members supported by the base is used to shape a mirror. The height of the plurality of support members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. A mirror is placed over the plurality of support members, such that the mirror assumes the predetermined shape. A frame is then attached to the mirror such that when the mirror and frame are lifted off the table, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical mouse device with a Micromirror Array Lens (MMAL) is provided. To have the three-dimensional optical mouse system, a three-dimensional imaging device is used for detecting the motion of optical pointer or fingers of the user and gives a location of the pointer to computer working as a pointing device in three-dimension. This three-dimensional pointing system uses three-dimensional imaging device using MMAL with variable focal length.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing including at least one retainer clip slot; a bezel carried on said housing; a retainer clip flange extending from said bezel generally adjacent said retainer clip slot; at least one retainer clip carried by said retainer clip flange having a slanted bearing face engaging said housing adjacent said retainer clip slots, and a securing lip disposed below said slanted bearing face that extends into said retainer clip slot to secure said bezel to said housing; wherein said slanted bearing face bears against said housing to prevent flexing of said retainer clip from disengaging said securing lip from said retainer clip slot when a force is applied to attempt removal of said bezel from said housing.

Abstract: A light scanning device which exposes a photoconductor of an image forming apparatus, includes: a light emitting unit which emits a light; a mirror which reflects a light emitted by the light emitting unit in a direction toward the photoconductor; an obtaining unit which obtains data on a speed of an image formation; and a mirror support unit which has at least one contact member provided so that it can be brought into contact with or be detached from the mirror, and which changes at least one of a position and a number of contact members contacting the mirror on the basis of data obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.

Abstract: The invention is related to a rear view mirror formed by a plastic glass structure and mirror housing. The plastic glass allows smooth edges and a bezel free appearance of the mirror. The plastic glass allows in addition to shine through the mirror body to create different types of illumination in the passenger's cabin.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a bezel and a mirror element located behind the bezel and viewable through an opening formed by the bezel. A backplate, formed by molding and having a first pivot element integrally formed on a side thereof, is securely fixed to a rear portion of the mirror element by direct attachment at least at a central region of the mirror element. A support bracket for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly to a portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle includes a second pivot element that connects with the first pivot element of the backplate to form a pivot joint that enables angular adjustment by the driver of the rearward field of view provided by the mirror element. Circuitry is supported by the backplate and a housing, principally serving as a cosmetic shroud, connects with the bezel.

Abstract: An outer mirror includes: a mirror base which is attached to a side surface of a vehicle body of a vehicle; a shaft which is erected on the mirror base; and a mirror housing which is rotatably attached to the shaft and is provided with a mirror for reflecting a rearward of the vehicle body. The shaft is exposed in a gap between a top surface of the mirror base and a bottom surface of the mirror housing. The shaft includes at least one of a concave portion or a convex portion on a part of an outer circumferential surface of the shaft which faces to a front side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A connector, comprising: a terminal that is an elongated member connected to a wire harness, the axial direction of the wire harness intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the terminal at a connecting portion therebetween; a housing, including a terminal retaining socket that retains the terminal, the terminal being inserted into the terminal retaining socket from a back face side of the housing and retained, with the leading end portion of the terminal protruding to a front face side of the housing, and the terminal being connected to a power supply point by the front face side of the housing being fitted together with a body to be fitted to; and a cover that is substantially plate shaped and covers the back face side of the housing, is provided.

Abstract: An exterior mirror suitable for use in a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element having a light transmitting substrate with a mirror reflector having a metallic reflective layer coated thereon. A visual indicator display is disposed to the rear of the light transmitting substrate and actuated to emit light when powered. Light emitted by light sources of the display passes through the light transmitting substrate so as to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle equipped with the reflective mirror element. The mirror element has portions of the metallic reflective layer at least partially removed by laser scribing to establish at least partially light transmissive portions of the mirror reflector so that light emitted by light sources, when powered, passes through the respective at least partially light transmissive portions to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element.

Abstract: An external mirror mounting system for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel having a mounting reinforcement attached to an inner surface, and an extended outer belt reinforcement which is mounted with stand off structures to the mounting reinforcement, so that a box section is constituted for supporting a mirror attached to the outer surface of the outer panel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical device, such as for microlithography, that includes an optical module and a supporting structure. The disclosure also relates to an optical module that includes an optical element and a carrier structure for the optical element. the carrier structure can be connected to the optical element via at least one holding element. The carrier structure can be fixed to the supporting structure and produced, for example, from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion ?<0.2*10?6K?1.

Abstract: A reflective mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element providing a rearward field of view to a driver of a vehicle equipped with the reflective mirror assembly. The electrochromic reflective element includes an electrochromic medium disposed between a front substrate and a rear substrate in a cavity established by a seal that connects the front substrate to the rear substrate and that spaces them apart. An overhang region at a first edge region of the front substrate extends beyond a corresponding first edge region of the rear substrate. A transparent electrical conductor is disposed at the front substrate and a mirror reflector is disposed at the rear substrate. An electrically conducting tab extends outward from said seal at least partially to the edge of the rear substrate while making electrical contact with the mirror reflector. At least one hiding layer is disposed around a perimeter region of the front substrate.

Abstract: A trifold display device comprising panel opening mechanism(s) which open the device, in a damped motion, from a closed position wherein display surfaces are concealed from view to an open configuration wherein three display surfaces are exposed. The panel operating mechanisms exert forces on two panels, thereby urging the panels toward an open position. Upon actuation of a release latch, the opening mechanisms move a support panel around to the back of the mirror, thereby raising the device into a tilted position (if the device is resting on a surface). Preferably simultaneously, the two movable display panels are also moved to an open configuration wherein they are exposed.

Abstract: An auxiliary mirror assembly for a sideview mirror of a car includes an auxiliary mirror including a mirror body and a connecting base, a first support bar and a second support bar each mounted on the connecting base, a first holding base and a second holding base each mounted on the first support bar and each provided with at least one holding flange, a locking hook and a binding strap. Thus, the first support bar and the second support bar are combined with the sideview mirror to attach the auxiliary mirror to the sideview mirror to extend the side-viewing distance of the sideview mirror so that when a trailer is attached to the car, the driver in the car can see clearly the trailer behind the car by the auxiliary mirror.

Abstract: Asymmetric sectioned mirrors are presented. The mirrors include, for example, constant radius of curvature sections that are selected to increase the sizes and improve the definitions of images, for example images of children milling, walking and/or standing about either the front or alongside regions of a school bus. The mirrors may be asymmetric in either or both the horizontal and vertical directions. The mirrors may include a mounting system capable of using both ball mounts and tunnel mounts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle exterior rear-view mirror including a casing or chassis with a neck to which an adaptor is mated. The adaptor has an abutment surface adapted to abut against a support sheet element associated to an outer panel of the vehicle. The support sheet element has an opening aligned with respective passages of the casing and the adaptor, respectively. A coupling stem is installed through the passages with the possibility of rotation and axial movement. Anchor configurations are formed at a lower end of the stem, the configurations engaging portions of the lower face of the support sheet element adjacent to the opening. An elastic element is arranged between the casing and the stem to push the stem inwards the casing or chassis.

Abstract: A device for hands-free self-examination is provided comprising a viewing component having a mirror which is attached to a compliant receptacle. The receptacle being configured to receive filler material thereby enabling the device to be positioned on an irregular surface such that it substantially conforms thereto and enabling the mirror to be manipulated to any orientation.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an accessory module. The accessory module one of (a) comprises part of said interior mirror assembly or (b) has the interior mirror assembly attached thereto. At least one of the interior mirror assembly and the accessory module includes an inductive power receiver that receives power from an inductive power transmitter located remotely from the interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module. The interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module includes a data transceiver that wirelessly communicates with a data transceiver located remotely from the interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments.

Abstract: An auxiliary accessory for a vehicle rearview mirror having a linking segment with an outer end, a casing formed on the outer end of the linking segment with an outer rim and a mirror mounted in the casing has a cover and an auxiliary mirror assembly. The cover is detachably mounted on the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and has a body, a mounting gap and multiple retaining tabs. The body has a shape corresponding to the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and two mounting recesses. The auxiliary mirror assembly is detachably connected to the cover and has an auxiliary mirror mounted in one of the mounting recesses of the body to increase the viewing range of the vehicle rearview mirror.

Abstract: In a method of forming a device so as to include a reflective surface at a specific angle to an incident optical axis, a region of a first major surface of a substrate is exposed to an anisotropic etchant to form a surface having the specific angle with respect to the first major surface, but the etched surface is then used as a mounting surface. That is, rather than anisotropically etching a reflective surface, the etching provides the mounting surface and the second major surface of the substrate functions as the reflective surface when the fabricated device is properly mounted. The substrate may be a <100> silicon wafer having a 9.74 degree off-axis cut. Then, a 45 degree mirror is formed by the process. When the reflector is used in an optical device, the <111> crystalline plane will be generally parallel to the surface of the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side mirror for an automobile, and more particularly, to a side mirror for an automobile in which an assembled structure is modified such that even in case of an excessive pressing the side mirror to fall in a driver's view, in comparing with pressing a mirror for adjusting to fall in a driver' view as a conventional method, the assembled state is not return to a disassembled state. In accordance with the present invention, an assembly work is easily preformed and further a assemble state is not easily return to a disassemble state by an external force.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing support to a mirror assembly including a high-stiffness, low mass structure. An L-shaped support, in conjunction with a shelf member and a plurality of fingers, provides support to a chuck upon which an operation (such as a wafer inspection) can be carried out. Materials such as ALBEMET and INVAR can be used to reduce mass and increase stiffness to avoid resonance in the system. Sensors and actuators can be employed to sense input energy and adjust the structure, respectively, if resonance is deemed likely.

Abstract: A novel silicon micromirror structure for improving image fidelity in laser pattern generators is presented. In some embodiments, the micromirror is formed from monocrystalline silicon. Analytical—and finite element analysis of the structure as well as an outline of a fabrication scheme to realize the structure are given. The spring constant of the micromirror structure can be designed independently of the stiffness of the mirror-surface. This makes it possible to design a mirror with very good planarity, resistance to sagging during actuation, and it reduces influence from stress in reflectivity-increasing multilayer coatings.

Abstract: A personal grooming mirror including a mirror housing with a mirror surround aperture formed in a surface of the mirror housing and a mirror contained in the mirror housing with a reflective surface of the mirror exposed and viewable through the mirror surround aperture. The mirror housing is formed in such a manner that a reservoir is defined by a reflective surface of the mirror and a peripheral edge defining the mirror surround aperture. Hot water may be contained within the reservoir prior to use in a humid environment, for instance a shower, to reduce fogging of the reflective surface of the mirror. A grip assist aperture is formed through the mirror housing and is configured to provide a means for securely grasping the personal grooming mirror.

Abstract: A facial hair grooming mirror apparatus for permitting a user to view an underside portion of the user's chin is provided. The mirror apparatus includes two mirror elements hingidly attached at adjacent edges for relative swinging between open positions where the reflective surfaces of the mirror elements form an angle and closed positions where the reflective surfaces are disposed parallel and juxtaposed. The mirror elements are attached to a base for rotation between a first configuration where the mirror elements are disposed generally horizontal and a second configuration where the mirror elements are disposed generally vertical. The base includes mounting members for removably attaching the mirror assembly to a support surface.

Abstract: A collimator lens converts light beams emitted from a low reflectance facet of a semiconductor laser into parallel light beams. A diffraction grating receives and diffracts the light beams at a predetermined incident position and a predetermined angle of a diffraction face. A turnable mirror has a mirror surface which is positioned opposite the diffractance facet of the diffraction grating, makes the diffracted light beams incident in a reverse optical path to the diffraction face, and returns the incident light beams to the laser. A stationary mirror makes the light beams from the collimator lens incident from a predetermined direction to a predetermined position of the diffraction grating at the side of the mirror surface of a virtual plane extending from the mirror surface of the mirror and at the side of the diffraction face of a virtual plane extending from the diffraction face of the diffraction grating.

Abstract: An adjustment is provided, which is used for the ground-based observation telescope, comprising a shell body, wherein the adjustment further comprises a base and an adjusting set provided within the shell body, wherein the adjustment further comprises an adjustor provided at the external side surface of the shell body.

Abstract: Extenders are provided that can be mounted on the existing rearview mirror mounting hole of motorcycle handlebars to provide a new mounting hole for the rearview mirrors that is laterally spaced from the original hole. The extenders allow the stock mirrors to be positioned for greater visibility without causing undue vibration in the mirror. The extenders can be constructed with a blind hole that allows for a clean and visually appealing installation. The extenders can also be constructed with spaced apart arms that define a hole. The hole can serve to reduce wind drag, reduce construction costs or function as a place for mounting things to the motorcycle.

Abstract: An exterior side view mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a cover provided on a side portion of the vehicle; a mirror installed to the cover and arranged to face rearward with respect to the vehicle; and at least a turn signal extended from the cover so as to provide light from the side portion of the vehicle via the turn signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reinforcing strut of the invention is a polyhedron attached to a plate and having at least two slanted facets, with each of the slanted facets oriented with respect to the plane of the plate at an angle different from about 90 degrees. Two slanted facets intersect to form an edge that causes the strut to have a tapered profile along the longitudinal axis of the strut.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vehicular rearview assemblies and components for incorporation into rearview assemblies.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for enhancing a light reflective rate in a reflective type display device is provided. The manufacturing process comprises steps of: forming a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer over a substrate; etching the first dielectric layer; polishing the etched first dielectric layer; forming a second conductive layer over the substrate; and patterning the second conductive layer to form a concave mirror on the surface of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: In a method of forming a device so as to include a reflective surface at a specific angle to an incident optical axis, a region of a first major surface of a substrate is exposed to an anisotropic etchant to form a surface having the specific angle with respect to the first major surface, but the etched surface is then used as a mounting surface. That is, rather than anisotropically etching a reflective surface, the etching provides the mounting surface and the second major surface of the substrate functions as the reflective surface when the fabricated device is properly mounted. The substrate may be a <100> silicon wafer having a 9.74 degree off-axis cut. Then, a 45 degree mirror is formed by the process. When the reflector is used in an optical device, the <111> crystalline plane will be generally parallel to the surface of the support.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, in particular for passenger vehicles, has a mirror foot which can be fixed on a front door below a vehicle belt line. The vehicle has a door formed of an outer panel which is provided with an opening, and an inner reinforcement. An extremely rigid, play-free and simply configured connection of the mirror foot to the inner reinforcement of the door is obtained in that a lower end region of a supporting part of the mirror foot is guided through the opening in the outer panel and is connected within the door directly to the inner reinforcement of the door via a self-centering mounting and a central fastening screw.