Abstract: There is provided is an optical member-holding apparatus which can hold a plurality of optical members of two different optical systems, even when the optical members exist in a common barrel in a mixed manner, such that the relative positions between the optical members can be easily adjusted; and which holds a mirror in a projection optical system and a mirror in an illumination optical system and includes a barrel unit, an inner ring holding the mirror, a holding member holding the mirror, a support plate attached to the barrel unit, and a holding-supporting mechanism attached to the support plate and adjusting the relative position of the mirror to the mirror.

Abstract: A bearing device for a solar power plant unit includes at least one support element, at least one first roller and at least one second roller. At least one first roller bearing unit is movably supported on the support element and rotatably supports the at least one first roller and the one second roller. At least one first spherical plain bearing having an outer ring is attached to the at least one first roller. A solar power plant includes at least one mirror movably supported by at least one such bearing device.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes first and second substrates having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween and bounded by a perimeter seal. A perimeter coating is disposed at a second surface of the first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of the first substrate. The perimeter coating generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing a first surface of the first substrate and through the first substrate. An at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of a third surface of the second substrate. The perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing a fourth surface of the second substrate and through the second substrate.

Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly includes a heater pad disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes a first connector that electrically connects with the transparent electrically conductive coating disposed at the second surface of the front substrate, and a second connector that electrically connects with the metallic electrically conductive coating disposed at the third surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes third and fourth connectors that provide, at least in part, electrical conductive connection with a heating element. The connectors are part of a unitary multi-pin connector that is configured to connect with a corresponding wire harness connector to provide electrical power to the heating element and to the transparent electrically conductive coating and the metallic electrically conductive coating of the reflective element when the exterior minor assembly is mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems and probes. In one embodiment, a scanning reflector surface is configured to be rotated about two axes in a single operating plane to direct light transmitted along the sample path to a sample to be imaged.

Abstract: A mirror mount includes a one-piece molecularly continuous base member and a mirror arm. The mirror arm fastens a mirror to the base member. The base member may also have first and second ends, a side portion, and a reinforcement. The side portion extends between the first and second ends. The first end is generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender, and the first end receives a generally horizontal fastener that passes through the first end, through two portions of the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender. The side portion has a contour that generally follows a profile of the fender. The reinforcement reinforces the first end.

Abstract: A freestanding portable holding apparatus for a handheld mirror comprises a base which ensures stability and a center-mounted pole extending upward from the base having a height adjustment mechanism that allows the pole to be extended upwards or downwards as desired by the user. An upper end of the apparatus is provided with an adjustable clip to hold a variety of handheld mirrors in an inverted fashion. It is adjustable in height so that a user can see the rear of their head while looking in another stationary mirror. This feature affords the user the use of both hands while styling hair without having to constantly switch and move the handheld mirror in one hand.

Abstract: An optical element holder includes an optical element holding member that holds an optical element and a body disposed to face to the optical element holding member to support the optical element. The body is provided with a mount portion that mounts the body to a base. The mount portion and the optical element holding member are configured such that the optical element is located on an extension line of a center line of the mount portion.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror includes a base, a mirror segment base coupled to the base, a mirror segment coupled to the mirror segment base by two bearings, and at least one linear actuator secured to the base and capable of adjusting the mirror segment. Other embodiments of the hinge assembly are further disclosed.

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

Abstract: A rearview mirror element assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a primary viewing region operable to exhibit electrically variable reflectivity, with a specularly reflective mirror reflector established at a third surface of a rear substrate at the primary viewing region. An auxiliary viewing region provides an auxiliary wide angle view of a blind spot to the side of a vehicle when the electrochromic reflective element is used in an exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a side of a vehicle. A specularly reflective demarcating layer is established at a second surface of a front substrate of the electrochromic reflective element and, at least in part, is visible through the front substrate to a viewer when viewing the first surface of the front substrate of the electrochromic reflective element. The demarcating layer at least partially traverses the reflective element adjacent the auxiliary viewing region.

Abstract: A mirror retention structure to reduce rebounding of a sub-mirror and to prevent shifting of the mirror-down position. The mirror retention structure includes, a main mirror retention frame that retains a main mirror, a sub-mirror retention frame that retains a sub-mirror and is axially supported at the main mirror retention frame, and a receiving pin that abuts against the sub-mirror retention frame and sets an angle of the sub-mirror at a mirror-down position, wherein the sub-mirror retention frame is provided with a first abutting portion that touches against the receiving pin at the mirror-down position, and a second abutting portion, at a different position from the first abutting portion, that touches against the receiving pin at a position prior to the mirror-down position in a transition from a mirror-up position to the mirror-down position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar light condensing system for realization of natural lighting, and more particularly, to a vertical solar light condensing system which is formed on an outer wall of a building using a reflective member and a light condensing member so as to secure large light condensing area and to increase light condensing efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive mirror based on a ceramic substrate having a corresponding reflector and piezoelectric actuators, a cooling device being integrated in the substrate. The invention likewise relates to a method for the production of such mirrors. The mirrors according to the invention are used for the modulation or deformation of a laser wavefront of high power.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate various optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements may have refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device.

Abstract: A mountable, adjustable, and removable personal mirror system, which allows the user to obtain close-in or far-away panoramic views. The user can adjust the position (how close together), the angle, and the orientation (e.g., side-to-side or top-and-bottom) of the mirrors. By so adjusting the mirrors, the user will see a much wider variety of visual information than with currently existing personal mirrors.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror includes a mounting seat, and a connecting unit including a rotating seat that is rotatably connected to the mounting seat by a first adjusting member on which a first washer is sleeved, and that has a supporting wall unit. A supporting rod has a pivot end pivotably connected to the supporting wall unit by a second adjusting member on which a second washer is sleeved, and an opposite supporting end connected to a rear view mirror body. The first and second washers are coated with PTFE coatings for reducing resistance to rotation of the rotating seat relative to the mounting seat and rotation of the supporting rod relative to the supporting wall unit.

Abstract: In this paper we will describe the design of a silicon mirror system. The mirror system consists of five primary subcomponents. The mirror optic itself, its positioning system, the bending mechanism, a vacuum chamber, and the support structure all provided as an integrated package. All subsystems were designed to provide the highest positional stability and structural rigidity with precision motions on all axes.

Abstract: A damper is provided for a rear view mirror with motorized actuation. A damper is provided between the mirror and its frame assembly for the purpose of shock absorption or vibration reduction. Each damper comprises a bracket and a boss. A polymer contact material such as an O-ring 24 is mounted onto the free end of the bracket and contacts the boss. The frictional and elastic properties etc. of the contact material determine the damping and frictional characteristics of the movement of the mirror with respect to the boss.

Abstract: Exterior mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a mirror base for attachment to the motor vehicle and a mirror support for attachment of a mirror element, wherein the minor support is merely manually adjustable relative to the minor base, further comprising a coupling element for coupling of the mirror support with the minor base, wherein the coupling element is designed to pull the minor support towards the mirror base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear under view mirror system for vehicles. The rear under view mirror system includes a rear under view mirror unit having a semitransparent glass and an electrically switchable glass. When a vehicle moves forwards, the rear under view mirror unit does not protrude rearwards relative to a vehicle body and overlaps a rear windshield glass, thus providing a good appearance and preventing resistance to airflow, without hindering a driver from seeing the area behind the vehicle through the rear windshield glass. The rear under view mirror unit has a large area corresponding to that of the rear windshield glass, thus providing a sufficient view of the low area to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror head for an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles, comprising a mirror housing, which is fixed to the mirror support. To minimize vibrations caused by the force of the wind or similar, the mirror housing has a partial flexibility in relation to the mirror support. By subjecting the mirror housing to an appropriate force, said housing can be displaced in relation to the mirror support. A flexible connection between the mirror housing and the mirror support permits the vibrations at least to be minimized. The mirror head is designed for use as an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A mount for a rearview mirror includes a base having a bottom surface for adhesive attachment to a windshield glass, a top surface, opposed side surfaces with dovetail walls, and end walls. A mirror mount has dovetail engaging sidewalls that slide onto the dovetail walls of the base. A locking lever is pivotally mounted on the mirror mount and has a cam surface thereon that swings into engagement with the top surface of the base to lock the mirror mount against sliding movement on the base so that the mirror mount is thereby mounted on the base. The locking lever has a handle portion that is flush with a surface of the mirror mount when the cam surface of the locking lever engages with the top surface to provide tactile and visible feedback that the mirror has been properly mounted on the base.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a front mirror casing portion configured to receive the mirror reflective element, a rear mirror casing and a mirror backplate. The mirror backplate includes a generally planar attachment portion for attaching at a rear surface of the mirror reflective element and includes a perimeter flange circumscribing a perimeter of the generally planar attachment portion. The perimeter flange is partially received in the rear mirror casing portion and partially received in the front mirror casing portion, and the perimeter flange couples the front and rear mirror casing portions to the mirror backplate.

Abstract: An optical element adjustment mechanism is for loading a reflection optical device, which comprises a base and a loading element. The base is movably assembled to the reflection optical device. The base is a hollow tubular structure, and each side has an opening. The inner edge of one of the opening has a plurality loading surfaces extension to the central side, and two leaning surfaces protruded along a tube wall of the base. The loading element movably assembled to the base has a first surface, a second surface and two datum planes. The first surface is flattened against the plurality loading surfaces. The second surface has a connecting portion connected the optical element. The two datum planes are respectively flattened against the two loading surfaces. Wherein, at least one adjustment gasket is moveably assembled between the base and the loading element for precision adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.

Abstract: A door mirror includes a mirror housing incorporated with a mirror holder fixed with a mirror, and a mirror surface angle adjusting unit for adjusting an angle of the mirror holder. The mirror housing is provided with a partition wall for partitioning an inner space of the mirror housing to a first space on a front side and a second space on a rear side, and the mirror holder and the mirror surface angle adjusting unit are accommodated in the second space. The partition wall is formed with an insertion hole for inserting a fastening component from a side of the first space, and the mirror surface angle adjusting unit is provided with a fixing hole for fastening the fastening component inserted into the insertion hole.

Abstract: A pair of external vehicle mirrors with a driver-side external vehicle mirror and a passenger-side external vehicle mirror are provided. Each have a mirror foot and a mirror housing pivotably attached, in which an adjustable mirror glass is arranged. The mirror housings of the two external vehicle mirrors are constructed symmetrically, so that an identical oncoming wind flow situation is achieved, and that on a rear side of the two mirror housings there is arranged a mask encompassing the mirror glass, the mask of the driver-side external vehicle mirror being formed asymmetrically to the mask of the passenger-side external vehicle mirror.

Abstract: A system for configuring a solar concentrator has a parabolic solar concentrator that is moved by a mechanical alignment system for aligning the concentrator relative to the sun. A GPS receiver receives GPS signals and extracts a local time value for use in calculating the sun's position. An optical encoder provides a position of the solar concentrator relative to a known reference point, and a calibration circuit returns the parabolic solar concentrator to the known reference point at intervals in order to reduce effects of cumulative error within the optical encoder. A processor determines a position of the sun based on the local time value, and determines an adjustment for moving the solar concentrator from a current position thereof into an aligned condition with the sun. A signal is provided from the processor to a controller for moving the solar concentrator into the aligned condition.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a central shaft and a mirror housing pivotably arranged around the central shaft. In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the mirror housing is supported on a supporting surface at the base of the central shaft and, through cooperation, first and second run-on surfaces define a predetermined angular position between the central shaft and the mirror housing corresponding to a folded-out position of the mirror housing. In an embodiment, first run-on surfaces are provided on a side of the mirror housing remote from the supporting surface, and second run-on surfaces are connected with the central shaft to be axially compliant and rotation-coupled.

Abstract: An external rear view mirror assembly to be fitted to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mirror base mountable to a vehicle; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a mirror head axis; a detent operably interposed between the base and the frame; a spring acting between the frame and the base in a direction parallel to the axis, the spring for holding the detent engaged; and a power fold mechanism operably interposed between the base and the frame, the power fold mechanism having a drive train and a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a pair of axially spaced apart clutching faces, connecting the drive train to the base when the drive train is driving, the clutch mechanism arranged and constructed such that forces are not transmitted from the frame to the drive train when the drive train is not driving.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural clement. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.

Abstract: A belt supporting type reflecting mirror mount that is capable of minimizing an amount of deformation of the reflection plane of a reflecting mirror and supporting the reflecting mirror. The reflecting mirror mount comprises a base, a fork coupled to the base so as to be able to be swiveled, a frame hinged to the fork which has a reflecting mirror disposed therein, at least one load support installed on the frame and supporting a load of the reflecting mirror applied in an optical axial direction, and a belt fastener that has a belt supporting a circumference of the reflecting mirror, and belt supports installed on the frame and fixedly supporting opposite ends of the belt. Thereby, the load of the reflecting mirror is uniformly distributed across the belt.

Abstract: A mount structure of a vehicle door mirror on a side door, the side door including: a door body having an outer panel and an inner panel which are joined together; and a door sash provided at an upper part of the door body so as to form an outer frame of the door body, wherein a door mirror mounting unit which mounts the door mirror is provided at an upper edge of the door body and at a vehicle front side of the door sash.

Abstract: A support arm carried by a carrier base. A base tooth ring on the carrier base and an arm tooth ring on the support arm, wherein the arm tooth ring releasably interlocks with the base tooth ring. A base column having a hollow interior chamber carried by the carrier base, and an arm column carried by the support arm extending into the hollow interior chamber. A first stop block channel disposed in a bottom surface of the base column, and a second stop block channel disposed in the support arm adjacent an exterior side of the arm column. A first stop block carried by a distal end of the base column received into the second stop block channel, and a second stop block carried by a distal end of the arm column being received into the first stop block channel to define a range of pivotal movement.

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

Abstract: 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: An afocal rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle having a side door and a dashboard includes a housing attached to the motor vehicle adjacent the side door and dashboard. The housing has a low-profile, rounded external portion and an internal portion. A selectively movable reflective element is enclosed within the housing, and has opposed curved surfaces for reflecting unfocused light rays from outside the external portion through the internal portion of the housing. A selectively movable lens is enclosed within the internal portion of the housing for controlling light transmitted from the selectively movable reflective element to an occupant of the motor vehicle. The selectively movable lens can converge the unfocused light rays reflected from the selectively movable reflective element to a focused image observable by the occupant of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a central shaft and a mirror housing pivotably arranged around the central shaft. In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the mirror housing is supported on a supporting surface at the base of the central shaft and, through cooperation, first and second run-on surfaces define a predetermined angular position between the central shaft and the mirror housing corresponding to a folded-out position of the mirror housing. In an embodiment, first run-on surfaces are provided on a side of the mirror housing remote from the supporting surface, and second run-on surfaces are connected with the central shaft to be axially compliant and rotation-coupled.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a heliostat which is capable of collecting light with high efficiency and whose manufacturing cost and installation cost are reduced and also to provide a method of controlling the heliostat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror support used in a door mirror vehicle which provides stability and distributes the forces in an uniform way due to two gear knees which are attached to the first ends of two perpendicular arms, a first arm and a second arm setting up a cross and also relates to a device to adjust the orientation of a mirror comprising the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base 2, a shaft 3, a spring 10, a mirror assembly 4, and a washer 6. An annular line contact portion 50 is provided on an abutment face 35 of the washer 6 that abuts against an abutment face 33 of a mount portion 12 of the mirror assembly 4. As a result, the vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention can prevent generation of abnormal noise further reliably and a further long period of time by means of the annular line contact portion 50. In addition, an abutment plane 301 of a rotation stop portion is provided at a shaft 3. A linear edge 601 of the rotation stop portion is provided at the washer 6.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a concave panoramic reflector, a support structure configured to hold the concave panoramic reflector in a fixed position with respect to the housing, and a mounting device for positioning the housing in a fixed orientation with respect to a computing device such that light reflected by the concave panoramic reflector is directed to a light sensor in the computing device.

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

Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly including a mount configured to be operably coupled to a windshield. A first support extends downward from the mount. A second support is rotatably connected with the first support and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The second support includes a carrier that extends substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. A rearview device assembly is operably connected to the carrier. The rearview device assembly is substantially vertically rotatable about the carrier and substantially horizontally rotatable about the first support.

Abstract: A driver attitude detection system for a vehicle includes a forward facing imaging sensor for capturing image data of a scene occurring forwardly of and in the direction of forward travel of an equipped vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the forward facing imaging sensor. A control, responsive at least in part to image processing by the image processor of the captured image data, is operable to determine driver performance and generate a control output indicative of driver performance. The driver attitude detection system may include at least one monitoring device for monitoring a vehicle characteristic of the equipped vehicle, and the control may, responsive at least in part to the at least one monitoring device, be operable to determine driver performance and generate the control output.

Abstract: Provided are cabinets, methods of making the cabinets, and methods of using the cabinets. One embodiment of the cabinet includes an enclosure and at least one horizontally slidable closure panel interconnected to the enclosure with a first fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the top of the enclosure and a second fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a prismatic reflective element with an attachment plate attached thereto, and a display-on-demand display disposed behind the prismatic reflective element and operable to display information for viewing through a transflective mirror reflector of the prismatic reflective element by a driver of the vehicle. A mounting assembly is configured to mount the mirror assembly to an interior portion of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a toggle portion and an actuator, with the toggle portion pivotally mounting to a first mounting member and the actuator pivotally mounting to a second mounting member of the attachment plate. An electronic circuitry element is attached to the attachment plate and an accessory pod is attached to the mounting assembly and includes circuitry therein. The circuitry of the accessory pod is electrically connected to the electronic circuitry element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for stabilizing a moveable element of a device. In an embodiment, a device is provided including a base, an element capable of moving relative to the base, and at least one actuator. Each actuator of the at least one actuator is configured such that when the actuator is driven the actuator moves into a hold position, wherein the actuator limits movement of the element. In a particular embodiment, the at least one actuator holds the element, or a portion of the element, at a particular position, angle, and/or attitude. In an embodiment, the at least one actuator is used to limit movement of the element when the device is turned off. The at least one actuator can be positioned to allow greater movement of the element when the device is turned on.