Abstract: A MEMS device having a movable mirror pixel supported on a substrate and coupled to a motion actuator so as to enable rotation of the mirror pixel about an axis lying within the mirror plane. In one embodiment, the motion actuator has a movable electrode, on which the mirror pixel is mounted. The movable electrode is supported on the substrate by a pair of upright springs, each having two parallel segments joined at one end and disjoint at the other end. One disjoint segment end is coupled to the substrate, while the other disjoint segment end is coupled to the movable electrode. The end of the upright spring corresponding to the joined segment ends points away from the substrate such that (i) the spring body protrudes through a narrow slot in the mirror pixel and (ii) the mirror plane lies at about the mid-point of the spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flip-flop diagonal with variable viewing angles. It comprises a housing body, an eyepiece adapter unit and a reflective mirror unit. The housing body has a cylindrical sleeve for mounting the diagonal to a telescope. The eyepiece adapter unit includes an eyepiece adapter and an eyepiece support frame, the eyepiece adapter is fixed on the eyepiece support frame, the eyepiece support frame is pivotably mounted on the housing body. The reflective mirror unit includes a reflective mirror, a mirror support bracket and rotary shafts, the reflective mirror is mounted in the mirror support bracket, and the mirror support bracket is pivotally mounted on the eyepiece support frame through the rotary shafts. With the flip-flop diagonal according to the present invention, when observing the sky through the refracting astronomical telescope, wherever the target is, the eyepiece can be located in different positions only by changing the angles of the eyepiece adapter.

Abstract: An optical wavelength switch having a planar wave guide formed on a substrate is disclosed that comprises a wave-guide-type diffraction grating which includes an input/output wave guide having an under-clad layer on a sacrificial layer formed on the substrate, a core layer formed on the under-clad layer and an over-clad layer formed on the core layer, a first slab wave guide connected with the input/output wave guide, an array wave guide whose one side is connected with the first slab wave guide, and a second slab wave guide with which the other side of the array wave guide is connected; and a movable girder whose one end is firmly secured to the substrate, the movable girder having the same under-clad layer, core layer and over-clad layer as those of the wave-guide-type diffraction grating, wherein the optical wavelength switch has a reflecting mirror at the tip of the movable girder, the reflecting mirror facing an end face of the second slab waveguide, with the position of the reflecting mirror being set d

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a motor vehicle comprises an internal frame supporting a reflective element and a motorized tilt actuator assembly for adjusting the reflective element about perpendicular axes. The reflective element is attached to the internal frame through a pivot connection. A positional memory module comprising a separate assembly is supported by the internal frame adjacent the pivot connection for electrically determining the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element at a selected position as a change in voltage through a pair of simple electrical circuits. The reflective element can be returned to the selected position by adjusting the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element according to the changes in voltage.

Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a first portion adapted for mounting to a vehicle and an actuator disposed at a second portion. A reflective element is supported by a reflective element support member mounted to the actuator to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a turn signal indicator disposed adjacent to and separate from the reflective element. The turn signal indicator emits a light beam at least generally laterally and rearwardly of the vehicle when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle. The turn signal indicator is adjusted tandem with the reflective element by the actuator. The light beam is substantially unobservable by the driver of the vehicle and does not pass through the reflective element.

Abstract: A method and system for a thermal architecture and user adjustable keystone in a display device is described. The system includes a screen, a lens to project images, and one or more mirrors to reflect the images projected by the lens to the screen. A mirror assembly to adjust the images projected on the screen includes a first frame to pivot about a first axis, a second frame pivotably mounted in the first frame to pivot about a second axis, and a mirror moveably mounted in the second frame to reflect an image on a screen of a display device. The mirror is adapted to pivot about the first axis and the second axis via the first frame and the second frame to adjust the images on the screen. The base to which the screen is mounted has a thermal architecture that includes a plurality of vents to allow air to flow in and out of the base and an air movement device to move air from one or more heat sources away from the screen and toward the vents.

Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device (10), an outer side surface (20B), with respect to a vehicle, of a projection (20) of a door mirror stay (16) is made to be flat. Further, an angle of the outer side surface (20B) with respect to a front-rear direction of the vehicle, inward or outward with respect to the vehicle, is not more than 2 degrees. Therefore, wind arriving at the outer side surface (20B) flows rearward with respect to the vehicle with fluctuation thereof being suppressed, and its flow is straightened. Furthermore, a radius of curvature of a corner portion (20E) at an outer rear side, with respect to the vehicle, of the projection (20) is not more than 15 mm. Therefore, wind arriving at the outer side surface (20B) of the projection (20) is suppressed from flowing along the corner portion (20E), and its flow is straightened. Thus, wind noise performance of the door mirror stay (16) can be improved.

Abstract: A magnetic boot module is described. The magnetic boot module has a pair of magnetic boots, a pair of moving devices, and a magnetic inductive path. Each of the moving devices couples to one of the magnetic boots to transversely push the magnetic boots moving on the magnetic inductive path step by step. The magnetic inductive path is formed on a magnetic inductive plate or a magnetic inductive rail. The magnetic boot module further utilizes a position detecting device to sense a current position thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for fixing and adjusting a member to be supported, characterised by the fact that it comprises: a support base (1); two triangular levers (6), each of the said levers comprising two arms (7, 8) disposed in a triangle and connected together at one of the vertices (9) of the triangle, each of the said levers being articulated on the said base at its respective vertex, a first one (7) of the two arms of each lever being extendable and connected at its free end to means of fixing (14) to the said member; and an adjustment means (5) mounted on the said base and arranged to make the second arm (8) of each lever pivot in the plane of the said lever. Application to the fixing and adjustment of a precision optical element.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) actuator having electrically conductive coils that create first magnetic fields that are opposed by a second magnetic field is disclosed. The actuator includes two coils having dual, interspersed Archimedean spirals. Within an actuator, one coil is arranged with spirals that proceed clockwise, while the other coil is provided with spirals that proceed counterclockwise. An electrically conductive bridge mechanically couples the two coils of each actuator to a mirror. Opposing magnetic fields are created to provide a force that urges the coils to expand so that the outermost portions of the coil extend upward, away from the substrate, and lift the bridge and mirror. Control current may then be modulated to increase and decrease the coil's magnetic field strength thereby increasing and decreasing the coil's extension to raise and lower relative to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable mirror device for hunters or other persons who need to extend their field of view to the side or rear without moving their head appreciably. The device is reversibly attached to a body-segment of the user and can either be raised to an active position or folded in a stored position against the body-segment. Also disclosed is an attachment-cuff for attaching the invention to the body-segment. The cuff comprises a rigid or semi-rigid inner member encased by a covering, which covering has two ends with closure means attached thereto for securing the cuff to the body-segment.

Abstract: An auxiliary rearview mirror mounting structure for fastening an auxiliary rearview mirror to a main rearview mirror is disclosed to include two support arms, which are pivotally connected to the auxiliary rearview mirror and each have a two hooks for hooking on the rim of the auxiliary rearview mirror and two flexible connecting members inserted through a respective horizontal front insertion hole and a respective vertical rear insertion hole and adjustably coupled to a respective vertical sliding track at the respective support arm, and two length-adjustable binding devices connected between the flexible connecting members at the support arms for securing the support arms to the main rearview mirror.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system is disclosed that constrains the direction of a force acting on a first load, where the force originates from the interaction of the first load and a second load. In particular, the direction of a force acting on the first load is caused to be substantially parallel with a motion of the first load. This force direction constraint is achieved by a force isolator microstructure that contains no rubbing or contacting surfaces. Various embodiments of structures/methods to achieve this force direction constraint using a force isolator microstructure are disclosed.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a door mirror of automobile. The mirror comprises a frame fitted with a piece of glass, a bracket mounted on a body of the automobile and shaped to matingly couple to the frame, and a gear mechanism disposed in the connecting portions of both the frame and the bracket. A clockwise or counterclockwise turning of the frame about a pivot of the gear mechanism causes meshed gearwheels of the gear mechanism to rotate the same, thereby adjusting an angle of the frame about the bracket in a smooth, precise way.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outer mirrors installed in an automobile, that has a capability to be reset into a housing position, features to have auxiliary mirrors to percept and monitor the front wheels and thereabout, has a flexibility for well appreciated apparent design, has no reflection of head lamp lights of oncoming automobiles thereby and is capable to perform the function of the auxiliary mirror in the night or in the dark place. The outer mirror comprises a mirror base extending outward and a mirror housing, being capable to be reset into the housing position, suspended under the mirror base with a rotation capability thereunder and a separation distance from the automobile, wherein a first auxiliary mirror facing obliquely downward is attached to the mirror housing on the surface facing to the automobile body.

Abstract: An on-vehicle video camera includes an imaging unit which converts image light into an electrical imaging signal to output the imaging signal as a video signal in a predetermined format, a light emitting unit for lighting an imaging area of the imaging unit, and a control unit for controlling the imaging operation of the imaging unit and the lighting operation of the light emitting unit so as to be operably synchronized with each other. The light emitting unit includes a unit for emitting infrared light in a predetermined band. The imaging unit does not filter out an infrared signal component in the predetermined band which is contained in the imaging signal. The imaging unit and the light emitting unit are housed by a housing which forms an outside mirror of a vehicle.

Abstract: A door mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, a frame supporting the housing internally. The housing has a shell with a front aperture, two fixation ports and an engagement port. On the other hand, the frame has a main body to be enclosed by the shell, two fixation elements and an engagement element. The door mirror assembly further includes two fixation sections formed by fixing the two fixation ports and two fixation elements with fasteners and an engagement section formed by engaging the engagement port and engagement element. The door mirror assembly has a feature that the engagement section is adapted to be on the circumference of a circle, the center of circle lies on an axis defined by the two fixation sections, so that the rotational displacement of housing relative to the frame can be restricted.

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

Abstract: A pivot arrangement between a mirror head and a mirror mounting bracket of a rear vision mirror for a motor vehicle which uses a disc spring with a negative spring rate over part of its travel. The disc spring has a height to thickness ratio of greater than ?2(1.414).

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a micro-mirror and a flexure spring supporting the micro-mirror. The flexure spring is configured to store potential energy during movement of the micro-mirror that is released as kinetic energy to drive movement of the micro-mirror when the micro-mirror is re-oriented.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for tilting a carrier for optical elements with two optical faces which are arranged together on a carrier and are fixed at a fixed angle to one another, the carrier being fastened on a base plate via articulated connections. The carrier can be pivoted about three tilting axes, a first tilting axis preferably being located in the plane of the first optical face and extending normal to the plane of the second optical face, the second tilting axis preferably being located in the plane of the second optical face and extending normal to the plane of the first optical face, and the third tilting axis being located parallel to the line of intersection between the two planes of the optical element.

Abstract: To provide a mirror device, an optical switch, an electronic instrument, and a mirror device driving method in which a large driving displacement can be produced for a mirror with a smaller driving force, a silicon substrate includes: at least one first mirror-side operating region integrally formed with the mirror and provided at a different position from the mirror; and at least one second mirror-side operating region provided at an end portion of the mirror, and a glass substrate includes: an opposite-side operating section, a coulomb force acting between the first mirror-side operating region and the opposite-side operating section; and another opposite-side operating section, the coulomb force acting between the second mirror-side operating region and the other opposite-side operating section.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror mount includes a mirror-head-attached first mount component, a window-attached second mount component, and a tubular connector. The first component includes a base defining an attachment plane, an angled stem, and a first ball section with a clearance area around the stem. A bore extends into the stem for receiving an attachment screw. A clearance area is formed around the stem near the ball section and extends at an acute angle to the attachment plane, thus providing increased angular adjustability of the mirror head in at least an upward direction. The second component includes a ball section and angled extended stem, and is connected to the first component by the tubular connector. The first and second ball sections define a distance less than a distance from a flat side of the second component to the second ball section, thus providing improved rigidity against vibration.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes a compass system and a display. The compass system is operable to display information indicative of a directional heading of the vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. The display comprises a plurality of ports formed in a reflective coating of a mirror reflective element and includes illumination sources positioned behind and generally aligned with corresponding ones of the ports. Each of the illumination sources may be energized to project illumination through a respective one of the ports such that the ports are backlit by the respective illumination sources, in order to convey the directional information to the driver of the vehicle. The system may include a microprocessor operable to control each illumination source via a respective wire connected between the microprocessor and each illumination source. The compass system may utilize a global positioning system for vehicle direction determination.

Abstract: A MEMS system including a fixed electrode and a suspended moveable electrode that is controllable over a wide range of motion. In traditional systems where an fixed electrode is positioned under the moveable electrode, the range of motion is limited because the support structure supporting the moveable electrode becomes unstable when the moveable electrode moves too close to the fixed electrode. By repositioning the fixed electrode from being directly underneath the moving electrode, a much wider range of controllable motion is achievable. Wide ranges of controllable motion are particularly important in optical switching applications.

Abstract: A reflective surface has a mount configured to be coupled with vehicle seat back. An attachment member is coupled to the mount and has a hook and loop fastener adapted to couple with a pile-type material on a back surface of the vehicle seat back.

Abstract: A system which features an actuator mechanism for controlling orientations of reflecting surfaces of an optical reflector or antenna is disclosed. As integrated into the system, the actuator may control both pan and tilt characteristics of reflective surfaces to create an adaptive system for focusing or otherwise directing light or other radiation. The invention is suited to large aperture, low density, and high surface accuracy segmented optical or other electromagnetic wave receivers needed for terrestrial and space-deployed applications in fields such as astronomy, communications, earth imaging, and directed energy.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a mirror head (30) adapted to support a mirror, the mirror head (30) having an external shell (36), a first foam core (37) providing support for the shell (36), a mirror base (20) adapted for mounting to a vehicle, the mirror base (20) connected to the mirror head (30) or integral with the mirror head (30) and a plurality of electrical conductors (32) disposed within the first foam core (37), the conductors (32) are arranged and constructed to diffuse stress within the foam core (37).

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. Broadly this invention deals with the general concept of method, apparatus, and consequences of focussing light. Specifically the Coherent-Micro-Macro-Collector of this invention is the unique total solar collector system consisting of concentrator and receiver. Method and apparatus are detailed for systems with: 1. Passive or non-tracking. 2. Semi-Passive tracking 2. Single-axis tracking. 3. Two-axis tracking. Also detailed are means for operating the collector system of micro-optics and receiver on the ground and protection means. A particularly important object of the CMMC is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus (100) ensuring a smooth swinging movement of a deflector with a simple and compact structure includes a flat plate-like elastic member (11) having both end portions fixedly secured in a state in which an intermediate portion of the elastic member (11) is flexed arcuately, a deflector (12) fixedly secured onto the elastic member (11) at the intermediate portion thereof for changing a direction of a wave propagation coming from a predetermined direction, and a driving means (14) for reciprocatively rotating the deflector (12) by changing repetitionally magnitude of flexure of the elastic member (11) relative to the deflector (12) fixedly secured onto the elastic member (11).

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention can contribute to the goal of achieving environmentally clean solar energy to be competitive with conventional energy sources. A novel method is described for manufacturing a transparent sheet with an embedded array of mirrored spheroidal micro-balls for use in a solar energy concentrator, and analogous applications such as optical switches and solar rocket assist. The micro-balls are covered with a thin spherical shell of lubricating liquid so that they are free to rotate in an almost frictionless encapsulation in the sheet. Novel method and apparatus are presented for producing the preferred embodiment of a close-packed monolayer of the array of mirrored micro-balls.

Abstract: An optical switch for routing optical signals between optical fibers is shown. Signals are guided internally in an optically transparent substrate by buried waveguides that are directly coupled to the optical fibers. These waveguides form a 3-dimensional optical routing structure internal to the substrate. Signals are coupled between adjacent waveguides by total internal reflection at the surfaces of the substrate. A moveable diffraction grating is coupled to these optical signals at points of total internal reflection via evanescent coupling. This coupling causes a change in direction of the optical signal and routes the signal to the desired waveguide. Known techniques can be used to form the waveguides by writing them with a pulsed laser. Local heating causes a permanent increase in refractive index that forms a single mode waveguide structure. The resulting device has low losses and can be formed by low cost MEMs processes.

Abstract: A door mirror which is installed on a motor vehicle's body in such a manner as to project laterally from the vehicle's body so as to reflect on a surface of the mirror what is behind the vehicle's body, wherein the mirror surface of the door mirror is divided into?two parts, and thus divided mirror surfaces are respectively provided with reflection angle adjusting mechanisms so that reflection angles of the divided mirror surfaces can be independently and arbitrarily adjusted, and the divided mirror surface positioned on the outer side can be turned to project laterally from the door mirror to face outward.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror device includes a mirror coupled to a rotating frame by a first torsional hinge along a rotational axis. The rotating frame has a body that defines a frame opening, and a group of rotational teeth extending from the body. A first bonding pad is located in the frame opening and coupled to the rotating frame by a second torsional hinge along the rotational axis. A second bonding pad is coupled to the rotating frame by a third torsional hinge along the rotational axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror holding system by which aberration resulting from deformation or positional deviation of an optical member, causing degradation of imaging performance, can be reduced whereby a desired optical performance is assured. Also disclosed is an exposure apparatus and a device manufacturing method based on such mirror holding system. The holding system includes a supporting member for supporting the optical element at a plurality of supports which are movable along an approximately radial direction about a predetermined point.

Abstract: The inventive device reduces noises and stabilizes the image quality of an image forming apparatus by reducing vibration thereof by reducing vibration of a driving source itself within a preset frequency range without changing the resonating condition of a housing. A mass member is added to a stationary shaft of a driving motor for rotating a polygon mirror. It then becomes possible to reduce the vibration and noise of an image forming apparatus by avoiding resonation by moving a resonance point by adding the mass member to the stationary shaft. Thus, a high image quality image forming apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: A door mirror set plate is formed of synthetic resin. On a base plate, a support shaft is vertically provided to rotatively support a door mirror body. A curved surface section is embedded at an outside periphery of a base of the support shaft. A flat section is formed to support a thrust washer so as to cross the curved surface section. Inside the support shaft, there is formed a wiring hole provided with a large diameter section, a small diameter section, and a step section. When a conducting wire is inserted into the wiring hole, the tip of a covering touches the step section for positioning. A stopper and a positioning protrusion are integrally formed on a base plate top surface. The stopper restricts rotational angles of the door mirror body. The positioning protrusion holds the door mirror body at a neutral position.

Abstract: A multi-view mirror assembly for a vehicle dimensioned to allow a driver to view people, vehicles and other objects positioned lateral and downwardly vertical to a rear end of the vehicle is disclosed. The multi-view mirror assembly is mountable on either an exterior or an interior surface of the vehicle. Furthermore, the multi-view mirror is maneuverable so as to compensate for varying vehicle sizes and dimensions.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a planar or curved reflective surface, or receive an output optical signal from the planar or curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle in the prism. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers include a reflective surface that is rotatable with respect to the DOE, or with respect to a selected communication direction and the DOE for selection of a transmission or reception direction. The optical supports of such optical transceivers can be mounted to a window, and include a reflective region configured to total internally reflect optical signals. Selection of a communication direction is based on a rotation of the rotatable reflective surface.

Abstract: A precision mirror displacement assembly for controlling rotation of a mirror about a rotational axis to obtain a precise mirror orientation includes a mirror having an enhanced backside and a reflective front surface. The enhanced backside has a sufficient thickness to provide that attachment of mirror displacement control components, such as portions of actuator and position sensor assemblies, to the backside during manufacture of the mirror assembly does not cause distortion of the reflective front surface of the mirror. The enhanced backside also is of sufficient thickness to avoid distortion of the front surface based on interaction of the mirror with mechanical stops and actuator components that are attached to a base of a separate housing of the mirror assembly that opposes the backside of the mirror.

Abstract: A rear view mirror that is mounted on the side of a land vehicle includes a mirror pivotally mounted on a housing and a solenoid-actuated ram connected to the mirror. The solenoid is controlled by a control button located inside the land vehicle to change the orientation of the mirror. A light located adjacent to the activating button reminds a driver that the orientation of the side mounted mirror has been changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automotive outside mirror assembly, and in particular, to a mirror adjustment mechanism with a compact and slim structure, allowing a precise adjustment of the mirror over a wider adjustment angle.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprises three main parts: a vehicle-to-mirror assembly attachment bracket (15), a mirror housing (20) and a mirror (41). Housing (20) comprises a thin molded external plastic shell (50) and a foam core (21), the foam anchoring and supporting the shell. A load diffuser (45) may be positioned within foam (21) to reduce the maximum tensile and compressive stresses within the foam (21). Attachment bracket (15) is of a similar construction with a thin shell (15) internal foam (18) and load diffuser (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a micro-mirror device configured to increase a switching frequency thereof. The micro-mirror device includes a substrate with at least one address electrode positioned over the substrate to provide an electrostatic force and includes at least one support member positioned over the substrate and extending upward above the substrate. The micro-mirror device also includes a mirror and a spring member. The mirror is disposed over the at least one address electrode and coupled to the at least one support member. The mirror is configured to deflect toward the substrate in response to the at least one address electrode applying the electrostatic force to the mirror. The spring member is spaced apart between the substrate and the mirror and coupled to the at least one support member. The spring member is operable to deflect separately from the mirror and toward the substrate.