With Support Patents (Class 359/871)
  • Publication number: 20090009898
    Abstract: A thin film reflector with a compliant border has been developed. The thin film reflector includes a reflective membrane and a support apparatus that applies a tensile force to the reflective membrane. A compliant border region is located between the reflective membrane and the support apparatus to distribute the tensile forces applied by the support apparatus evenly across the reflective membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: William Clayton, James Moore, Gregory Laue
  • Publication number: 20080316626
    Abstract: A mirror device includes a base portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, the first end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface, the second end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface and having a curved portion extending therefrom, the base portion having a plurality of grooves parallel with the first and second ends, a connector portion coupled to the base portion, the first end of the connector portion coupled to the curved portion such that the connector portion may rotate about the base portion, and a mirror coupled to the second end of the connector portion, the mirror having a connection means horizontally disposed along the back portion thereof, the second end of the connector portion coupled to the connection means such that the mirror may rotate about the second end of the connector portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chi Yau Yue
  • Publication number: 20080316627
    Abstract: A vehicle side mirror includes: a housing attached to a vehicle and holding a mirror; and a cover member being attachable to the housing, the cover member and the housing forming an integral outer shape of the vehicle side mirror when the cover member is appropriately attached to the housing. The cover member includes a cover-side identification part, and the housing includes a housing-side identification part which allows the cover member being paired with the housing to be appropriately attached to the housing, and which prevents the cover member not being paired with the housing from being appropriately attached to the housing, in cooperation with the cover-side identification part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Teruaki SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20080310041
    Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A tube is pivotably secured to the base. The tube extends between a pivot end and a distal end. A mirror housing defines a mirror opening and a tube opening. The mirror housing receives the distal end and a portion of the tube disposed adjacent the distal end through the tube opening. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and is exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. A case frame is fixedly secured to the mirror housing at a position disposed adjacent the mirror. The side mirror assembly also includes a locking lever which is movable between an unlocked position allowing the case frame and the mirror housing to slide along the tube and a lock position for securing the case frame and the mirror housing at a desired position along the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA
    Inventors: Gary J. Sinelli, Paul R. Henion
  • Publication number: 20080266628
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a coil for a MEMS device, and/or a structure on which the coil is disposed, may have one or more linear segments and one or more non-linear segments. One or more of the non-linear segments may be curved to increase a responsiveness of the coil to the magnetic field in which the coil is operating to provide an increased torque on the rotation of the mirror of the MEMS device in response to a drive signal applied to the coil in the presence of the magnetic field. The non-linear coil may have other shapes and may be any arbitrary shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Dean R. Brown, Wyatt O. Davis, Jason B. Tauscher
  • Publication number: 20080266630
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a MEMS device may comprise a coil frame having a drive coil disposed thereon and being supported by one or more suspension arms disposed along an axis of the coil frame, and a mirror platform having a mirror disposed thereon. The mirror platform may be coupled to the coil frame at connection points generally disposed along the axis in order to reduce deflection of the mirror platform to reduce stress on the mirror in order to maintain the relative flatness of the mirror surface. Furthermore, the mirror platform may include flexible members disposed near an edge of the mirror platform generally along the axis to isolate the mirror platform and the mirror from warping of the coil frame and twist of the suspension arms to further maintain the relative flatness of the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Dean R. Brown, Wyatt O. Davis, Jason B. Tauscher, David R. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20080259476
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Dean Branham
  • Publication number: 20080259477
    Abstract: The described invention embodies the design of a rear vision activity mirror for use in several recreational and sports activities. The rear view mirror is designed to attach to a glove, armband, helmet, wristband, goggles or a Velcro strip that can be connected to several apparatuses, sports equipment and/or activity gear or gear parts. This invention allows the user to acquire rear view vision through a rear view mirror and the design of this invention's swivel mechanism. This device enables the user to see behind in stern view, through a range of rear view angles and perspectives. The position of the rear view mirror can be adjusted to many positions through its ability to swivel and its ability to stay in a “set” position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Janice Gorton, Benson Lam
  • Publication number: 20080247068
    Abstract: A vehicular mirror device includes a housing which is comprised of two housing components at least partially opposed to each other, and which is adapted to cover a mirror from the front during traveling of a vehicle. A collar is integrally and projectingly provided on one of the housing components to extend so that it is superposed onto the other housing component at opposed portions of both the housing components, and a plurality of recesses are provided in a juxtaposed manner in a tip end of the collar. This suppresses to the utmost the generation of a wind roar due to traveling wind flowing into between opposed portions of the housing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Shinichi WAKABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20080247069
    Abstract: An improved solar reflector utilizing end forms supporting a tensioned reflective membrane, where the end forms have a corrected periphery shape different from the ideal cross sectional shape of the reflector, that produces the idea cross sectional shape along most of the tensioned membrane, and with additional means to increase structural rigidity along the lateral free edges of the reflective membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Allen I. Bronstein
  • Publication number: 20080239530
    Abstract: A mirror pane comprising a substrate of plastic having a front side and a rear side, each having a metal coating, and a surface heating apparatus with at least one resistance heating strip and electric connection contacts, wherein the metal coating placed on the front side of the substrate serves as a reflective mirror surface, and the at least one resistance heating strip possessing the electrical connection contacts is located within recesses in the rear side of the recesses reproducing a negative image of the at least one resistance heating strip and being furnished with connection contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Jochen Bauer, Willi Felbinger
  • Publication number: 20080239532
    Abstract: A trailer rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror base, a first clipping member and a second clipping member. The mirror base is provided with an elongated support arm. The first clipping member is affixed on the support arm by a first fastener. The second clipping member is coupled to the first clipping member, and provided with a clipping cavity which allows the gripping by a second fastener. Accordingly, the mirror base is therefore handy and stable to affix to the rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 7429116
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a projection objective (22) of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus (10). The projection objective (22) comprises at least one mirror (M1 to M6) that each have a mirror support (241 to 246) and a reflective coating (26) applied thereon. First imaging aberrations of a pre-assembled projection objective are measured. Before the coating (26) is applied, the mirror supports (241 to 246) are provided with a desired surface deformation (34). If the mirrors (M1 to M6) are not reflective for projection light without the coating (26), measuring light is used that has another wavelength. Alternatively, two identical mirror supports (246) may be provided. One support having a reflective coating is part of the pre-assembled projection objective whose imaging aberrations are measured. The other support is provided with surface deformations before coating and mounting the support into the objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Mann, Stephan Muellender, Johann Trenkler, Hartmut Enkisch
  • Patent number: 7423522
    Abstract: A tire pressure alert system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a vehicular tire pressure monitoring system and a telematic system of the vehicle. The telematic system of the vehicle is operable to wirelessly communicate between the vehicle and an external service provider external to the vehicle. The tire pressure monitoring system is operable to detect or determine or estimate a tire pressure in a tire mounted on a wheel of the vehicle and to communicate an output signal indicative of the tire pressure to the external service provider. The external service provider receives the output signal from the tire pressure monitoring system and processes the output signal and communicates an alert to the subject vehicle to alert the driver or occupant of the vehicle of a tire pressure condition in one or more of the vehicle's tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Publication number: 20080212218
    Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, and a chassis mountable to the mirror platform. At least one electrical component is disposed between the mirror platform and the chassis. An electrical passageway is formed within the chassis for allowing the electrical component to be placed into communication with a power source located remotely from the mirror assembly. A recess is also formed within the chassis for housing a connection between the power source and the electrical component such that the chassis can be mounted substantially flush against the wall when the electrical component is electrically connected to the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: ELECTRIC MIRROR, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, James V. Mischel
  • Publication number: 20080204912
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable mirror, in particular to an outside mirror of a motor vehicle, with a hinge, which links a mirror support to a mirror base so that the mirror can be twisted about an axis of rotation. An elastomeric element is arranged between the mirror base and the mirror support and is form-fitted or bonded to the mirror support and/or to the mirror base and holds the mirror support in a first position. Compression elements are arranged on the mirror support and/or on the mirror base and compress the elastomeric element when the mirror support is moved from a first position into a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Derk Ekenhorst
  • Publication number: 20080192370
    Abstract: A vehicle interior mirror device disposed in a passenger compartment for reflecting a state of rear seats and traffic conditions behind a vehicle. The interior mirror device has reflection restricting means notched in a lower end of the interior mirror device to prevent a face of a passenger from being reflected, so that eyes of passengers seated in seats other than the driver's seat do not meet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20080186606
    Abstract: A projection television includes: a mirror holder made up of a metal bracket fixed with its one end attached to a cabinet and a mirror holder cover made of synthetic resin having a square-cornered U shape part into which the other end of the bracket is fitted; and a mirror having an edge supported by the mirror holder and changing the optical path of projected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Norichika Sugano
  • Publication number: 20080183410
    Abstract: A probe for a system for determining the chemical signature of a pharmaceutical compound. The probe comprises: a housing; an inlet in the housing adapted to be connected to a transmitting optical fiber; a scanning aperture in the housing; a receiving outlet in the housing adapted to be connected to a receiving optical fiber; at least one transmission reflector positioned in the housing to receive laser light from the transmitting optical fiber and reflect the laser light through the detection outlet to a pharmaceutical vial containing a pharmaceutical compound positioned outside the housing, and at least one receiving reflector positioned in the housing to receive light reflected by the pharmaceutical compound and reflect the light to the receiving outlet. This configuration can enable rapid and accurate scanning of a pharmaceutical contained in a vial positioned adjacent the detection outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Peter A. Klein, Jesse Samuel Eberdt, W.L. Douglas Townsend, Victor Sapirstein, Wang-Long Zhou, Yongwu Yang
  • Publication number: 20080179613
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a process for the manufacturing of reflecting optical barriers comprising silicon and useful in combination with light emitting devices, wherein the process comprises anisotropic wet etching of the silicon material in such a manner that the rate of etching along the crystallographic (111) plane of the silicon material is slower than the rate of etching along the (110) and (100) planes. The present invention further comprises a reflecting optical barrier useful in combination with light emitting devices and a system containing at least one light emitting device comprising a reflecting optical barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Gilles Ferru
  • Publication number: 20080174893
    Abstract: The exterior rearview mirror is comprised of a mirror housing, having at least one transparent light window, behind which at least one light is disposed, comprising at least one illuminant, whose light passes through the light window to the outside. In order provide the exterior rearview mirror so that different light functions and light directions can be performed by the light, at least a portion of the light is disposed adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Schefenacker Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Alf Liesener, Gernot Michael Bracht
  • Publication number: 20080174894
    Abstract: A mirror support assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an upper support arm, an upper mounting element for mounting the upper support arms to the vehicle, a lower support arm, and a lower mounting element for mounting the lower support arm to the vehicle. A mirror head brace for uniting the upper and lower support arms includes a cast structural member made by pressure casting. The mirror head brace includes at least one longitudinal groove which determines a defined angular setting between the mirror head brace and the upper and lower support arms. The plurality of scorings functionally determine different angular settings relative to the mirror support arms of a mirror head 12 which is carried by mirror head brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Meier, Jurgen Pfanz, Albrecht Popp, Simon Deffner
  • Patent number: 7399095
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting apparatus for mounting a panoramic mirror in front of the focal point of a camera. The mounting apparatus comprises a conical optical stage configured to contact the mirror at an end point along the longitudinal axis. An optical masking spike is also disclosed which can be disposed along the longitudinal axis and extend at least partially into the interior of the conical optical stage. The conical optical stage and optical masking spike provide improved stability of the overall optic and reduce unwanted glare in images reflected to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: EyeSee360, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rondinelli
  • Patent number: 7399093
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reflection mirror of a projection television to prevent the frame of the projection television from being deformed and to fabricate the projection television with ease. The reflection mirror is fabricated by forming a plurality of ribs at a section of the frame and inserting a soft shield plate between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Taeg Ho Kang, Deog Jin Lee, Dong Kweon Shin, Ju Young Jeong, Jong Ho Lee, Yong Joo Lee
  • Patent number: 7396138
    Abstract: A tilting device for repeatedly tilting light reflected from a micro-mirror panel is disclosed. A vibration type tilting device, comprising a mirror positioned on a light path which reflects light transmitted from a digital micro-mirror panel, a mirror holder having the mirror joined to a side thereof, a coil joined to the reverse side of the mirror holder, and a magnet which generates a magnetic field passing through the coil, where portions of the mirror holder are removed to decrease the mass moment of inertia of the mirror holder, may not only provide a smooth and natural display by periodically tilting light reflected from a digital micro-mirror panel in constant time intervals but also may improve the tracking ability of the mirror and reduce residual vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang-Ho Moon, Chil-Sung Lee, Dong-Won Choi, Jae-Kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20080144203
    Abstract: This invention is to be used primarily in the hunting or outdoor viewing arena and utilizes mirrored panels to camouflage the user of said invention from detection by wildlife. These mirrored panels are thin, lightweight, strong, scratch resistant and provide a true image of the surroundings so as to facilitate the perfect camouflage. In any the terrain, this invention allows the user to blend in without detection. The mirrored panels can be manufactured out of strong and lightweight acrylic, but other substances can be effective as well. The bottom of at least two of the panels of the invention are beveled in such a way as to allow the invention to lean slightly forward. This allows the mirrored panels to reflect their immediate surroundings and prevents flaring of the sun off of the mirror itself. The panels are connected together via durable and rigid hinges. These hinges allow the invention to be folded up and transported very easily from one location to the next and also facilitate easy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080144204
    Abstract: A two piece mirror support bracket is formed with a sail side half and a mirror side half joined together at an interface to permit the mirror support bracket to pass through a mirror pedestal without requiring the enlarged head on either half to pass through the mirror pedestal. The two halves of the mirror support bracket are joined by mechanical fasteners to form an integral apparatus operable to support the mirror glass and actuator assembly from the automotive chassis at the mirror sail. The mechanical fasteners can include heat stakes to fix the mirror side half and the sail side half together. The smaller mirror pedestal reduces wind noise and aerodynamic drag, while increasing the flexibility for design styling of the automobile, without requiring a design change for the mirror glass or actuator mechanism for manipulating the orientation of the mirror glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Don Iacovoni, Paul Heirtzler
  • Patent number: 7387396
    Abstract: A mirror housing includes a temporary fixing member that is formed of a plate having a groove. An additional part includes a temporary fixing member that includes an insertion portion engaged with the groove to position and guide the additional part in a setting direction and a first direction, and a contacting portion that contacts the plate to position and guide the additional part in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joichi Kawanishi, Keisuke Honda
  • Patent number: 7387395
    Abstract: In a method for producing an optical unit having an optical element deviating from a circular shape, for an optical imaging system, in particular for a projection objective in semiconductor lithography in the EUV region, a supporting part is provided, which is provided with reference surfaces for adjustment in the optical system, in accordance with which the optical element is connected to the supporting part. Subsequently, there is fixed relative to the optical element a zero point which forms a reference point with a zero point fixed in the optical system during installation of the optical unit in the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Manfred Pilz, Christian Muenster
  • Publication number: 20080123207
    Abstract: The claimed utility is called back-hair-trim-guide with an adjustable mirror for man. It trims man's back and side hair safely and effectively with a clipper. It comprises the following five parts, 1. An utility holding bar to hold the back mirror and back hair guides 2. An adjustable back hair mirror, 3. Two adjustable back hair protection cover (guides) 4. A front belt with both ends connecting to either ends of the said utility holding bar. Its length is adjustable. 5. A top belt with both ends connecting to either ends of the said utility holding bar. Its length is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Li
  • Publication number: 20080123206
    Abstract: A micro mirror includes a hinge support post on the substrate, a hinge connection post on the hinge support post, wherein the hinge connection post comprises a bottom layer connected to the hinge support post and a side layer surrounding a cavity in the center of the hinge connection post, a hinge component connected to the side layer of the hinge connection post; and a mirror plate configured to tilt around the hinge component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SPATIAL PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Shaoher X. Pan
  • Patent number: 7370984
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7369287
    Abstract: A mirror positioning structure for compensating skew and bow includes a mirror rotating member having a recess at one side to hold a mirror inserted therein and a rotation shaft protruding from an opposite side. A mirror position changing member has an opening through which the rotation shaft of the mirror rotating member passes such that the mirror rotating member is rotatably coupled with the mirror position changing member. A fixing member has a receiving space in one side so that the mirror position changing member moves rectilinearly within the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyung-mo Tahk, Hyun-surk Kim, Sang-hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7362237
    Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Lawlor, Coady Garrett
  • Publication number: 20080062544
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Takeshi Kitajima, Masanori Nakamura, Ryohei Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20080062545
    Abstract: A sideview mirror includes multiple parts, wherein the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member are combined to form a window corner type sideview mirror, while the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, and the mounting member are combined to form a car side body type sideview mirror. Thus, the window corner type sideview mirror only needs to provide the fixing member additionally to replace the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member to form the car side body type sideview mirror, so that the sideview mirror is both available for a window corner type sideview mirror and a car side body type sideview mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Fu-Chu Su
  • Publication number: 20080049343
    Abstract: A housing supporting a reflective mirrored element and having an internal support structure. A stationary mounting rod passing through the internal support structure and extending from the housing for attachment to a vehicle support arm. The housing and internal support structure rotate about the mounting rod. A stabilizing unit interconnecting the mounting rod and the internal support structure for resisting rotation of the housing around the mounting rod. The stabilizing unit includes a bushing fixed to the mounting rod engaging a bearing surface of the internal support structure in a sliding friction arrangement, and a clamping member biasing the bushing against the bearing surface to impart a clamping force between the bushing and the bearing surface, so that rotation of the internal support structure about the mounting rod is resisted to reduce mirror shaking caused by vibrations and loose connections between the mounting rod and the internal support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Dean Branham
  • Patent number: 7336409
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spatial flexure comprising: a base section; an end section; and an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and end sections, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the end section pivots downwardly or upwardly. The present invention further provides a spatial flexure scanner comprising: a base section; a scanning beam reflective section; an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and reflective sections; an actuator associated with the base section; a scanning beam reflective mirror connected to the reflective section; means connecting the actuator and the reflective member for causing lateral contraction or expansion of the intermediate section in response to the actuator, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the reflective section pivots downwardly or upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Inphase Technologies, Inc., Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Sissom
  • Publication number: 20080030883
    Abstract: An outside rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mirror housing including a circumferential lateral wall defining an opening, an insertion opening and a back wall. The outside rear view mirror assembly also includes a mirror mounting bracket insertable into the mirror housing through the insertion opening. A snap-in tongue, defining a free end, extends out from the back wall for engaging the mirror mounting bracket when the mirror mounting bracket is inserted into the mirror housing to lock the mirror mounting bracket therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Oehmann
  • Publication number: 20080024890
    Abstract: A standard automobile spherical convex mirror incorporating a clearly defined visual safe actual distance indicator for vehicles in adjacent lanes that determines safe adjacent lane changing, when used as a exterior side view mirror, on the passenger side of the automobile or the right exterior side of any motorized vehicle using streets, highways, toll roads contains a specifically designated safe distance interval detection area on the mirror itself that indicates that vehicles in the calculated and marked preferred rectangular interval detection area of the mirror are beyond the preferred 50 or more feet and that it is safe to signal and change to the adjacent traffic lane to the right of the vehicle containing this unique mirror. This defined specific field of view increases the chances of the driver of making a safe change of adjacent lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley Abramson
  • Patent number: 7322708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror (1), for use in optical imaging systems, whereby the mirror is connected at the edge thereof to a reinforcing element (3), at least partly surrounding the mirror and the reinforcing element also fixes the relative position of the mirror with regard to a further optical element (4). Positioning means (5) are arranged on the reinforcing element, cooperating with positioning means (7), arranged on further optical elements. The optical imaging system in particular concerns a telescope for optical transmission techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Media Lario S.r.l.
    Inventors: Carlos Alberto Valenzuela, Miriam Noemi Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 7324734
    Abstract: An arbitrary surface optical element, such as a mirror for use in a rear projection television, includes a non-optical portion and an optical portion. The non-optical portion circumscribes the optical portion and has a thickness greater than the optical portion. Accordingly, the two portions cool at approximately the same rate, thereby minimizing warpage from differential cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: N-Lighten Technologies
    Inventors: William Robert Burnett, Kathleen Hannon Davies, Paul D. Frey, Qing Guo, Charles Chia-ming Chuang, David Daniel Poppell
  • Publication number: 20070291382
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly is disclosed for use in a limited rotation motor system. The mirror mounting assembly includes a collar formed of a shape memory material and a mounting unit including a tapered base that couples with a tapered output shaft of a limited rotation motor under a radial force applied by the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Adam I. Pinard, Kristopher Pruyn, Pavel Otavsky
  • Publication number: 20070285806
    Abstract: A mirror system for a tractor with an articulated trailer includes a mirror housing. The mirror housing is attached to the front end of the tractor on the passenger side. The mirror housing has a planar mirror. The planar mirror is adapted to move. The planar mirror moves allowing continuous observation of the passenger side rear corner of the trailer by a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Harry Andrew Beale
  • Patent number: 7301690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-optical arrangement with which in particular optical properties of an optical element or its influencing of electromagnetic radiation may be changed. Thereby the optical elements with a reflecting surface are preferred. It is the object of the invention to provide for a changeability of optical parameters, in particular of the focal width with small time constants, in an inexpensive manner and with a small required constructional volume. The micro-optical arrangement according to the invention comprises a plate-like optical element onto which electromagnetic radiation is directed on an optically effective surface. The optical element thereby is fixed or clamped at least at one outer edge point. The optical element is elastically deformed due to mass inertia as a result of a translatory movement at least approximately parallel to the optical axis between two reversal points (?z0, z0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Christian Drabe
  • Patent number: 7296903
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror mechanism for a skid loader includes a support and a mirror attached to the support. The support is configured to extend from a movable lifting arm of the skid loader, and the mirror is attached to the support opposite the movable lifting arm and positioned to enable an operator of the skid loader to visualize substantially an entirety of a tail swing path on either rear side of the skid loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Iver Peterson
  • Patent number: 7293888
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a mirror casing and a support for mounting said mirror casing to a vehicle. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a retractable cord for use by an occupant of the vehicle for coupling to an accessory and which is adapted to couple the accessory to a vehicle system via the housing to provide a link between the accessory and the vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W Hutzel, Niall R Lynam, Darryl P DeWind, John O'Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20070258159
    Abstract: Hand engraved etchings, computer generated sandblastings, transparencies, or any other photo or art work may be precisely and deliberately placed within the interior of a lighted “shadow box” fine art frame. Those photo and art works are then either directly or indirectly applied onto or used in conjunction with glass, acrylic, or other framing components, to create a plurality of lights, glass, half-silvered glass, and mirrors within the photo/art frame housing. The framing components secure the glass and mirrors in various diametrically situated positions as to cause an illusion of eternal reflection of not only the lighting elements, but also of the art work. The Photo/Art Frame Eternal Depth Illusion invention brings together the worlds of photo and art framing together with the infinity lighting concept.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: James Leonard Driessen
  • Patent number: 7287868
    Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes an integrated internal plate frame with an electrochromic mirror subassembly adhered to its flat front surface, electrical components supported on a rear with the frame acting as a heat sink and EMI/RFI shield, and a back cover supported on the plate frame. The subassembly is uniformly supported across the front surface of the plate frame for good mirror impact resistance. The mirror is supported by an angularly adjustable ball-and-socket connection. In one embodiment, the ball is formed integrally on the plate frame. The present mirror is surprisingly thin, with at least 50% of the depth dimensions being less than about 3.0 centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Carter, Wayne Rumsey, Kenton J. Ypma, Daniel J. Bostwick, Jeremy A. Fogg
  • Publication number: 20070228852
    Abstract: A magnetically-levitated telescopic land indicator comprises a sleeve having an end surface; the end surface having an opening; a seat combined to the sleeve so as to form an inner space for receiving other elements; a magnetic levitated telescopic cylinder installed to the downward concave portion of the seat; the magnetically-levitated telescopic cylinder being installed in an inner space between the seat and the sleeve; at least two permanent magnets being installed within the magnetically-levitated telescopic cylinder; the permanent magnets having same magnetic polarities so that the permanent magnets being repulsive to one another; and an actuator being made of strengthened transparent material; the actuator having a dome shape protrusion at an upper end; an edge portion being arranged around an edge of the protrusion, and the protrusion protruding from the opening in the end surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Tsai-Jung Chiang