Abstract: Optical systems have uses, such as in spectrometers, for directing a beam. A spectrometer, for example, utilizes an optical system for directing an incident beam toward a sample and receiving a spectroscopy signal from the sample. In various implementations, for example, an optical system may be further configured to move a beam with respect to a target, such as a sample, and still provide a home position where the beam is directed in a stationary configuration. A self-homing (e.g., self-centering) optical system may provide a “home” position in which the beam is directed in a first stationary mode while still allowing a focused beam to be moved with respect to a target in a second dynamic mode.

Abstract: An optical element support system and a method of supporting an optical element are provided. The optical element includes an optical axis, an arcuate front surface, and a back surface. The optical element support system includes an axial support system that provides axial support to the optical element in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the optical element, and further includes a lateral support system that provides lateral support to the optical element in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element that is offset from a center-of-gravity of the optical element.

Abstract: A mirror component for receiving an actuator for adjusting a rear view position of a rear view mirror element in a rear view device includes at least one anti-back-out rib element for receiving an electrical connector of the actuator and an electrical mating connector to an electrical supply architecture being connected to the electrical connector, the anti-back-out rib element being an element enabling receiving either at least a first combination or a second combination of the electrical connector being connected to the electrical mating connector, the first and second combinations being differently shaped, and the anti-back-out rib element being adapted to prevent assembly of the actuator to the mirror component in case of the electrical connector being incorrectly connected to the electrical mating connector.

Abstract: A positional adjustment mechanism comprises a movable plate having first and second positioning actuators and a biasing member to bias the plate against the actuators. The movable plate has three flat surfaces facing the actuators and biasing member one of which is not substantially perpendicular to either of the other two. The biasing member ensures that the plate is held in contact with the actuators during adjustment. Also, an adjustable mount comprises a support and a fixed bar extending therefrom, an axially movable bar extending from the support and being axially movable relative thereto, and an element movably mounted to the fixed bar and movably mounted to the movable bar, the first element being selectively fixable relative to the fixed bar and selectively fixable relative to the movable bar. This arrangement allows a great degree of freedom in adjusting the position of the element as it can be selectively fixed to either or both of the fixed bar and movable bar.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror device includes a housing, a mirror, a camshaft, a fixed part, and a drive part. As the camshaft is rotated by a driving force transmitted from the drive part, and moves toward the fixed part by the action of a cam, a movable part including the housing, the mirror, and the drive part as a whole tilts. The drive part includes a drive source, and a gear train transmitting the driving force of the drive source to the camshaft. The gear train includes a first gear disposed to the camshaft, and a second gear that elastically meshes with the first gear.

Abstract: Adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot for attachment to a fixed element of the motor vehicle, and a housing adjustably connected with the foot, the housing being adjustable around a rotation axis extending through the adjusting instrument, while around the rotation axis a passage opening is provided for passing through a cable tree, the housing being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening and the foot being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening, the housing being furthermore adjustable relative to the foot into an assembly position in which the slot of the foot aligns with the slot of the housing to provide lateral access to the passage opening for laterally introducing a cable tree into the passage opening.

Abstract: A motor actuator includes a housing, and a plurality of output mechanisms accommodated in the housing. The housing includes a fastening unit that fastens a first case and a second case. Each of the plurality of output mechanisms includes a motor and a plurality of deceleration gears. The motor is supported by the housing. A final state deceleration gear is rotatably supported by the housing. The fastening unit is arranged in a first fastening unit formation range. The first fastening unit formation range is a range formed by connecting contours of a plurality of motors and contours of a plurality of final state deceleration gears, and is a range that surrounds the plurality of motors and the plurality of final stage deceleration gears.

Abstract: An adjustment device for an automotive wing mirror includes an adapter fixed to the wing mirror and having a virtual rotation center and first and second virtual axes perpendicularly intersecting with each other relative to the virtual rotation center, and an adapter driving module to drive the adapter. The adapter driving module includes a bowl-shaped lower shell, an upper shell covering on the lower shell, and two actuator mechanisms. Each actuator mechanism includes a driving motor, a reduction gear set, a clutch assembly meshing with the reduction gear set, and a ring gear meshing with the clutch assembly. The ring gears partially extend through the upper shell and are connected to the adapter on the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis. The adapter is operable of revolving relative to the virtual rotation center in two intersecting directions.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a stem attached to a mirror head. The stem includes a first portion directly attached to the mirror head. The first portion includes a catch. The second portion is attached to a support structure, and includes a retention portion. The catch of the first portion is engaged with the retention portion of the second portion for supporting the first portion and the mirror head relative to the second portion. Once the first portion is supported by the interaction between the catch and the retention portion, fasteners may be installed to fixedly attach the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: An optical path switching device is configured to selectively direct electromagnetic radiation toward one detector of a plurality of detectors. The switching device includes a platform, a mirror mount rotatably mounted on the platform by a bearing, a mirror coupled to the mirror mount, and an active actuator configured to rotate the mirror mount with respect to the platform a predetermined amount to direct electromagnetic radiation toward a desired detector.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror in a laser rangefinder, comprising: a mirror mount configured for receiving and mounting a mirror and configured such that when connected to the laser rangefinder, the position and/or orientation of the mirror mount relative to the body of the laser rangefinder can be adjusted.

Abstract: A remote controlled mirror is provided which comprises: 1) a mirror assembly, 2) a dual axis pivot bracket, and 3) a fixed mounting bracket and further comprises a horizontal drive actuator and a vertical drive actuator. The remote controlled mirror is for use in heavy equipment and comprises mirror that weigh over 10 pounds, in some embodiments 50 pounds or more and in some embodiments 80 pound or more.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicular mirror assembly for a rectangular shaped mirror typically found on industrial trucks, earthmovers, and dump trucks. The mirror is placed in a holder with two or more pillow block bearings secured on the back of the holder. A circular rod, creating a first axis, extends longitudinally through the pillow block bearings and is swivelly secured to a mounting bracket thereby forming a second axis. A remotely controlled ram is secured to the mounting bracket and proximate to the edge of the holder allowing operator control of the left/right motion around the second axis; a second remotely controlled ram is swivelly secured to the circular rod for up/down adjustment by the operator for movement of the second axis.

Abstract: A manual mirror, capable of obtaining optimum clamp force on a mirror support stay while reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure of the mirror, includes a mirror body and mounting section for attaching the mirror body to the mirror support stay. The mounting section is constructed mainly of a pair of brackets projecting from and integrally formed with a side of mirror housing and a U-shaped clamp member and a fastener, and the mirror housing being integrally formed with, on another side, projection fitting between a pair of arms of the U-shaped clamp member for restricting a displacement of arms which come close to each other while allowing a displacement which reduces clamp width of a holding part of the U-shaped clamp member when the fastener is tightened.

Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.

Abstract: A power transmission device which is free from a possibility of breakage of a driving member is provided. A stepping motor (driving member) 61a configured to be driven on the basis of a command signal from a controller 70, a lead screw portion 61c configured to be rotationally driven in association with the drive of the stepping motor 61a, and a power transmitting member 65 configured to move along an axial direction X of the lead screw portion 61c in accordance with the rotation of the lead screw portion 61c and transmit a power to a power transmitted member 42e are provided, and the controller 70 is configured to control the output of the command signal to the stepping motor 61a to be stopped when the power transmitting member 65 is not moved along the axial direction X.

Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-collecting heliostat using flat mirrors of enhanced light-collecting efficiency. The gradients of low-price flat mirrors are adjusted when reflecting sunlight by the heliostat equipped with the flat mirrors, thereby causing reflection focal areas having the same size as each of the mirrors to overlap, in the same number as the number of the reflective plates constituting the heliostat, on a heat collecting unit of collecting lights, so that a high temperature light-collecting focal area with a uniform temperature distribution is obtained.

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: Foreign matter is effectively ejected from between a sliding portion and protruding portions. In a mirror surface angle adjustment device of a vehicle door mirror device, while a mirror holder is rotated and an angle of a mirror surface of a mirror is adjusted, a sliding portion of the mirror holder slides on protruding portions of the case. The protruding portions extend to be directed toward a rotating direction of the mirror holder. Therefore, when the sliding portion slides on the protruding portions, foreign matter is easily ejected from between the sliding portion and the protruding portions to sideward of the protruding portions, and foreign matter can be effectively ejected from between the sliding portion and the protruding portions. Therefore, the sliding portion can slide smoothly against the protruding portions, and the rotating of the mirror holder can be made stable.

Abstract: An adjustable dressing mirror assembly includes a support, a mirror-mounting unit, and a positioning device. The positioning device includes a guiding seat connected pivotally to the support, a driving plate connected pivotally to the mirror-mounting unit, a sliding block, a movable member, a positioning rod, and a resilient member. The guiding seat includes an accommodating chamber and a plurality of positioning grooves. The driving plate and the sliding block are movable in the accommodating chamber. The positioning rod is disposed fixedly on the movable member. Engagement between the positioning rod and the positioning grooves is allowed with assistance of the resilient member during movement of the driving plate within the accommodating chamber from a rear limit position to a front limit position, and is prevented during movement of the driving plate within the accommodating chamber from the front limit position to the rear limit position.

Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting an angle of a dichroic mirror of a projector with respect to an optical engine base of the projector is disclosed. The dichroic mirror is pivotably mounted to the optical engine base. The adjustment device includes a link and an eccentric screw. The link has a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be fixedly mounted to the dichroic mirror. The second end has an opening. The eccentric screw is adapted to extend through the opening to be screwed to the optical engine base. The eccentric screw includes an eccentric section disposed within the opening. The eccentric section pushes the link such that the link drives the dichroic mirror to pivot with respect to the optical engine base upon rotating of the eccentric screw. A projector including the adjustment device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mirror unit that can decrease the wait time before distance measurement.

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

Abstract: An exterior mirror for mounting on a vehicle with a mirror base and a mirror head attached to the mirror base is suggested, whereby the mirroring element is rigidly connected to the housing of the mirror head. The mirror head and mirror base are rotatably connected to one another by means of a ball joint. The adjustment of the mirroring element is done by two bars, of which the length can be adjusted by actuators, which bars are arranged between the mirror head and mirror base.

Abstract: A motor control device operable to rotate a motor based on an actuated direction of an operation knob of an operation switch in a direction corresponding to the actuated direction has direction selector switches provided corresponding to respective actuated directions of the operation knob, and open/close elements provided between the direction selector switches and a power supply. Each of the open/close elements is turned on when a control current is supplied thereto. When the operation knob is actuated, the direction selector switch corresponding to the actuated direction is turned on, a control current is supplied from the power supply to the open/close element connected to the relevant switch, and the predetermined open/close element is turned on. A drive current that flows from the power supply into the motor through a current carrying path of the open/close element is controlled according to a ON/OFF status of each of the open/close elements.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror apparatus comprising a mirror provided at a vehicle; a pivoting member holding the mirror; a sliding part provided at the pivoting member; a holding member pivotably holding the pivoting member, whereby an angle of a mirror surface of the mirror is adjusted; and a pivoting surface provided at the holding member. The sliding part is made slidable on the pivoting surface while a gap is provided between an edge of the holding member at a side of the pivoting member and the pivoting member in a pivoting radial direction of the pivoting member.

Abstract: Optical delay line system that includes a retro-reflection mirror which is displaced along a circular path while being maintained in angular alignment with launch and return sources of light subject the components of the system to minimum levels of unbalanced linear acceleration. A retroreflector is pivotally mounted on a rotating element such that the optical axis of the retroreflector's motion is mobile such that its angle or position changes relative to a fixed observer. There is no linear stopping and starting of the retroreflector and all acceleration of the retroreflector is rotational acceleration with small angles so the required forces in the optical delay line are greatly reduced. Both large displacement and high repetition rates are achieved. The system can be configured so that optical fibers serve as launch and return optics. Alternatively, free space beam paths deliver light to the optical delay and return the reflected light from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A projection unit 17 effectively corrects out of focus due to a temperature rise. A mirror holding mechanism of a concave mirror 25 has a mirror holder 41 and a mirror holder base 42. The concave mirror 25 is slidably housed in the mirror holder 41. A focus correction member 57, which expands by heat, is disposed between a back face of the concave mirror 25 and reference plane S formed in the mirror holder. The concave mirror 25 and the focus correction element 57 are urged to the reference plane S by a mirror retainer spring 59.

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

Abstract: A mirror angle controller is provided which includes a pivot plate (H) which is attached to a reverse side of a mirror (M), and an actuator (A) which holds the pivot plate (H), in which the actuator (A) includes a housing (A1), a rod (A3) which pushes and pulls the pivot plate (H), and a motor which provides driving force to the rod (A3), in which, a ringed holder (121) which is placed to surround the rod (A3) is formed in the housing (A1), and in which the pivot plate (H) includes a ringed sliding part (H31) which is contact with and arbitrarily slides on the holder (121), and an engaging part which is engaged with an end of the rod (A3) so as to securely hold the mirror (M).

Abstract: Formation of a biaxial microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanner can comprise, at least in part, providing a frame (11) having an aperture (14) formed therethrough, wherein the frame has a first pair of axially aligned flexures (12 and 13) about which the frame can selectively pivot. A scan mirror (41) can then be operably coupled to this frame by a second pair of axially aligned flexures (42 and 43). By one approach, this scan mirror is disposed co-extensive with but external to the aperture in the frame.

Abstract: A mirror angle adjusting device can stably hold a pivot plate (H), while a contact part between the pivot plate (H) and an actuator (A) smoothly slides for a long period of time. The mirror angle adjusting device includes the pivot plate (H) attached to a back side of a mirror (M), and the actuator (A) for holding the pivot plate (H). In the mirror angle adjusting device, grooves (121a) for storing a lubricant are formed on a support surface of the actuator (A), and grooves (311) for storing a lubricant are formed on a sliding surface of the pivot plate (H) which is slidably in contact with the support surface. In the mirror angle adjusting device, the contact part between the pivot plate (H) and the actuator (A) can smoothly slide for a long period of time, and the pivot plate (H) can be stably held.

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract: A system of a side mirror of a vehicle includes: a driving motor which is driven by input electric power and supplies a driving force for rotating the side mirror from a folding position to an unfolding position or rotating the side mirror from the unfolding position to the folding position; a switch selecting unfolding or folding of the side mirror; an electric power source supplying electric power to the driving motor; and a mirror driving unit supplying electric power to the driving motor from the electric power source according to a signal of the switch, and performing a blocking cancellation operation of reversing a rotation direction of the side mirror.

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises: a mirror surface; an actuator 100 which tilts the mirror surface; a plate pivot 110, which changes its direction together with the mirror surface; a spring 112, which applies a resilient force to the plate pivot 110 in the direction substantially vertical to the mirror surface; a guide spring 114 which is fitted to the end of the spring 112 at the side far from the interlocking member; a semiconductor pressure sensor 116, which is in contact with the guide spring at substantially one point so as to detect a load loaded on the one point from the pressing member; and a signal outputting portion which outputs a signal depending upon the tilted angle of the mirror surface based on the force detected by the semiconductor pressure sensor 116.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror structure is provided. The rear view mirror structure comprises a flexible body and an adjusting apparatus wherein the body has a reflective surface and an inner surface. The adjusting apparatus is disposed at a rear portion of the body and is utilized to drive the inner surface of the body. Thus, the reflective surface of the body can form a particular curvature whereby the rear view mirror structure can offer a wider viewing angle.

Abstract: A motor driving unit includes an electric motor and a motor drive control circuit board that is disposed in a position facing the electric motor at a predetermined distance from the electric motor. A pseudo condenser is formed by providing a conductor pattern at a position facing the electric motor, in the motor drive control circuit board.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror system comprises an exterior mirror assembly and an electronic control system. The exterior mirror assembly has a fixed support adapted to be mounted to the side of the vehicle and has a mirror housing supported by a support arm and movable along the support arm from a first position proximate to the fixed support to a second position proximate to a distal end of the support arm. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a first electrically powered mechanism for pivoting the support arm about the fixed support, a second electrically powered mechanism for moving the mirror housing along the support arm and a third electrically powered mechanism operable to adjust a mirror unit of the mirror housing to a desired adjusted position. The electronic control system is operable by the driver of the vehicle to control operation of at least the first electrically powered mechanism independent of operation of the second electrically powered mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit and method of reducing the occurrence of overheating of a power fold vehicle mirror. The circuit controls the operation of the power fold mirror such that when a portion of the circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the vehicle mirror is prevented from at least folding in. In practice, the vehicle mirror will be allowed to fold out even when the predetermined temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded, to allow the vehicle door to be opened and the car to be driven. The vehicle mirror may be allowed to be folded in when the temperature of the circuit falls to or below a second predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror surface; a plate pivot 110 which tilts the mirror surface by tilting the plate pivot itself, a housing 120 which covers the plate pivot facing to the rear surface of the mirror surface across the plate pivot, which possesses a bottom portion substantially parallel to the plate pivot, and a curved side wall which is brought into contact with the side surface of the plate pivot to guide the side surface; an adjust nut 108 which is provided between the housing and the plate pivot, and which moves toward or backward to the rear surface of the pivot to tilt the plate pivot; a rotational variable resistor 118 which is provided between the housing and the plate pivot, and whose resistance value is varied depending on the rotation amount of a rotor that rotates depending upon the movement of the adjust nut; and a signal outputting portion 124, which outputs a signal corresponding to the titled angle of the mirror surface depending upon the resistance of the rotational variable r

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for induced dipole alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors. Novel method and apparatus are taught for coupling to, addressing, and alignment of a micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Mirrored 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 matching the overall ball density with that of the lubricating fluid. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

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: 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: 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: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors and the maximization of the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Novel method and apparatus are taught for operating the addressing and alignment micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production. The instant invention can contribute to the goal of achieving environmentally clean solar energy on a large enough scale to be competitive with conventional energy sources.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the group alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors and the maximization of the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Novel method and apparatus are taught for the alignment in large groups or ensembles of micro-mirrors of a micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

Abstract: A mirror mounting apparatus for a mirror glass is provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a mounting rod having a bore and an outlet and affixable to a vehicle is also provided. The mirror mounting apparatus includes a mirror housing assembly with a base member for mounting to the mounting rod. The base member has an opening to deliver a wire from the outlet into the mirror housing assembly. A method for assembling the mirror mounting apparatus is also provided.