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.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus of a reflection mirror is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a holding base plate, an affixing block affixed on the holding base plate, at least one adjusting set, and a rotatable chassis affixed onto the affixing block, wherein the reflection mirror is affixed on the rotatable chassis. Moreover, the adjusting set comprises an adjusting screw and an adjusting spring. The adjusting screw is mounted onto the holding base plate and transpierces the holding base plate to fix an extending portion of the rotatable chassis. The adjusting spring associated with the adjusting screw supports an extending portion of the rotatable chassis to counterbalance the adjustments in the adjusting screw. When the adjusting screw is rotated in, the rotatable chassis rotates along a first direction and compresses the adjusting spring. When the adjusting screw is rotated out, the rotatable chassis rotates along an opposite direction to the first direction and stretches the adjusting spring.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a frame and a mirror supported by the frame. The mirror includes a first mirror section and a second mirror section pivotally coupled to the first mirror section. A screw drive is supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame, and has a first threaded surface. An arm has an inner arm end supported by the screw drive and extends outwardly from the screw drive to an outer arm end. The inner arm end has a second threaded surface that engages the first threaded surface. The outer arm end supports the second mirror section. An arm cam projects from the outer arm end away from the second mirror section and defines a first cam surface. A frame cam projects from the frame toward the second mirror section and defines a second cam surface contacting the first cam surface.

Abstract: An angle detection unit is provided with a pair of arms (temporary fixing mechanism) for temporarily fixing the angle detection unit to a power unit. The arms are fit to a cylinder portion (engagement portion) of the power unit in a manner of holding the cylinder portion. Thus, a mirror drive unit can be easily combined to a mirror housing without increasing the number of parts.

Abstract: An adjustment device used for electric power mirrors comprising a motor to rotate a worm wheel, an adjustment nut that can slide along the direction of the rotational axis but cannot relatively rotate against the rotation of worm wheel, and an actuator housing that has a column on which surface a screw portion is made, wherein the adjustment nut is movable along the direction normal to a plane of screw rotation of said screw portion, and the adjustment nut has a salient extending to the outer direction at the leg portion thereof and the worm wheel has stopper portion that bumps the salient of the adjustment nut so that the adjustment nut is not pulled off from the actuator housing. Therefore the mirror exchanging service can be easily done.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a casing which houses a reflective element and a support supporting the casing and adapted to mount a vehicle. The mirror casing is adapted to pivot about the support between an inboard position and an extended outboard position thereby extending the field of view of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focusing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focusing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: A thermally actuated micro mirror includes a mirror surface, and a support structure section having a multilayer structure to support the mirror surface. The support structure section generates heat by the application of electricity thereto, and is deflected by a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion in the multilayer structure, thereby tilting the mirror surface at an arbitrary angle. The support structure section is disposed between the mirror surface and an electrode section for applying electricity. A longitudinal axis of the support structure section is perpendicular to the center axis of the mirror surface, and the longitudinal center of the support structure section is substantially placed on the center axis of the mirror surface. Therefore, the turning axis of the mirror surface is not displaced, and the light reflecting position does not move on the mirror surface.

Abstract: A multi-aperture interferometric optical system collects light propagating from a source of light and develops overlapping diffraction patterns on an optical detector that produces output signals for processing to form an image corresponding to the diffraction patterns. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a large aperture orbiting, earth-watching ring interferometric optical system configured such that there is no macro-structure pointing. Four mirror-ring structures direct incoming light to a multi-spectral primary optical detector that acquires light-pattern information from which an image can be derived.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is constructed to fit onto a mirror housing of an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The device, upon installation, displays a desired indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirrored surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Variations in structure are provided, including connectors to the mirror housing that slidably engage with respect to a base that supports the indicia. Embodiments provide for removal of the device without harm to the mirror housing, and also provide for ready change-out of indicia. Slidably engaging connectors in various embodiments provides for easy adaptation to a range of sizes and shapes of mirror housings. The invention also relates to kits and methods employing embodiments of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle rear view mirror, notably for an automobile, comprising a casing that contains an entrance sealed by a mirror, first drive means for pivoting the mirror on a first axis, second drive means for pivoting said mirror on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and control means for selectively actuating the first and second drive means, the control means comprising a single rotating drive motor device.

Abstract: In order to electrically reverse the motorized pivoting actuator 11, used for example to adjust an exterior mirror with restricted angles of movement and to return the mirror into a working position after it has been pivoted by external means (either by hand, or as a result of a collision), engagement of the coupling actuator 16 is axially detached, as a result of an external pivoting of the coupling output drive 18, against an elastic restoring force and the coupling output drive is pivoted in relation to the coupling actuator, according to the effective torque. Thus, the coupling output drive is also brought out of its restricted trajectory, in such a way that the drive motor 13 can rotate the coupling actuator 16 freely, until the coupling actuator and the coupling output drive 18 reach a relative position, which has been predetermined in the construction concept in said position, and the coupling claws 28 re-engage in the recesses of the opposing pinion 16 or 18.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an object precisely in a specific plane. An object is mounted on small support points rather than flat pads or other flat surfaces. The support points are stiff but not completely rigid. Exactly four support points are used. Mechanical forces are sufficient to slightly compress the two higher support points on a diagonal and to slightly compress the object so that the object presses against all the support points, with a higher amount of compression for one pair of diagonal points relative to the other two points. In an example embodiment, the support points are formed at the intersection of curved surfaces or at the intersection of multiple planar surfaces. In a specific example embodiment, the points are formed at the intersection of cylindrical surfaces. The points are fabricated by a cylindrical cutting bit that has partial-cylinder grooves formed circumferentially in the bit.

Abstract: A tripod style mirror mount system for vehicles which secures the main mirror hole in a vehicle mount which is substantially in the shape of a socket subassembly that is secured to the vehicle and in which a spherical ball stud of the mirror pole is received and retained in a manner which allows the mirror to swivel relative to the body of the vehicle without being detached from the vehicle. First and second braces support the main mirror pole and maintain its position and prevent vibration. The terminal ends of the braces are anchored in joints by means of spherical ball studs which snap out when an obstruction is hit. Thereby the mirror assembly prevents being itself damaged or damaging the vehicle body when the mirror assembly inadvertently is struck by an obstacle.

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.

Abstract: A stopper mechanism is not provided on a turning unit but is provided on a horizontal portion and a mirror assembly. Therefore, the turning unit can be used for a left outer mirror and a right outer mirror. The mirror assembly is provided with a projection of the stopper mechanism, and a base is provided with an arc groove of the stopper mechanism. Therefore, it is unnecessary to split the base into two pieces at the time of molding using a metal mold, and the base can be formed using the metal mold in a usual manner and thus, the cost of manufacturing becomes inexpensive.

Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle which is equipped with a mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a load is applied to a rod drive in an axial direction, a claw member elastically deforms, and an engagement valley of the rod drive rides up over an engagement projection provided at a distal end of the claw member and is moved. Here, given that angles of inclination of two surfaces of the engagement valley, at a mirror side and at a side opposite the mirror, with respect to a direction orthogonal to an axis of the rod drive, are respectively &thgr;1 and &thgr;2, &thgr;1>&thgr;2. In this way, two loads for manually moving the rod drive toward a side opposite the mirror and toward the mirror side can be made to approach substantially a same magnitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swiveling device (11) of the support panel (12) of an exterior automobile mirror that can be adjusted by means of a motor. Said device functions in a stable manner. The panel (12) is fixed on a housing (13) in such a way that it can swivel, by means of four threaded rods (18—18.18′—18′). Said housing is to be mounted in a fixed position. A geared motor (17, 17′) is provided in said housing for each of the two swiveling directions (11), which are orthogonal in relation to each other. Said geared motors are kinematically connected to two threaded rods (24—24) by a toothed wheel (19, 19′) and by threaded bushings (24—24) which are also toothed on the outside. Said threaded rods (18—18) are diametrically opposite each other in relation to the coaxial axes of rotation of the wheels (19, 19′) and can be moved in opposite directions to each other.

Abstract: A device capable of exchanging image projection directions includes an inner body provided with an internal reflector having adjustable angles and a horizontal light permeation aperture; an accommodation tube formed at the rear of the inner body and an upper light permeation aperture formed at the top of the accommodation tube; an outer accommodation barrel disposed with at least two connection openings at the outer periphery thereof; and an inner accommodation barrel disposed with a long orifice and an outer connection opening, and is further flexibly connected into the outer accommodation barrel and fixed around the accommodation tube, such that the long orifice corresponds to the upper light permeation aperture for forming a path for light beams. The connection openings are connected to binocular connection barrels having various magnifications in advance, thereby viewing images with different magnifications and viewing ranges without dismantling or assembly of the binocular connection barrels.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror of a passenger motor vehicle has a retaining foot which can be fastened to a vehicle body in the region of a mirror triangle by fastening means. In order to simplify the installation and removal of an exterior rearview mirror of this type, the fastening means have at least one retaining bracket which is arranged on the retaining foot and is configured in such a manner that it can be hooked in gripping from behind at an edge of an opening formed in the vehicle body in the region of the mirror triangle. The fastening means have at least one latch which is arranged on the retaining foot and is mounted on the retaining foot in a manner such that it can be adjusted between an unblocking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, unblocks the edge, and a locking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, grips behind the edge.

Abstract: An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly which enables moving the reflective mirror element to an alternate position for viewing of areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden in the driver's blind spot. The blind spot system includes a reflective mirror element mounted on a pivot member such as an electric actuator for adjusting the field of view of the mirror element for different drivers about an axis which is preferably centered on the mirror element. A support member has a joint spaced laterally of the axis and pivotally connected to the pivot member for moving the mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. A power source such as an electric motor is preferably mounted on the pivot member and is spaced from the support member joint, and includes a threaded member pivotally connected to the support member and driven by a gear.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly blowmolded carrier for vehicles and method of blowmolding the carrier are provided. The mirror assembly has a blowmolded carrier with a hollow space and a recess to affix a mirror element.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror unit according to the present invention comprises a mirror, mirror holding arrangement for holding the periphery of the mirror, in which an outer circumferential portion perpendicular to a reflection surface of the mirror is shaped like a circular arc in cross section, a first carrier that is contact with a part of the outer circumferential portion on the mirror reflection surface side for the mirror holding arrangement at a part of its inner conical surface, a second carrier that is opposed via the mirror holding arrangement to the first carrier, and is contact with a part of the outer circumferential portion on the mirror back face side for the mirror holding arrangement at a part of the inner conical surface, and pressure securing arrangement for pressing the first carrier and the second carrier against the mirror holding arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, an optical device, a method of manufacture therefor, and an optical system including the same. The optical device may include a membrane configured to be electrically deformable and reflective. The membrane may further be positioned over a cavity located within a substrate. The device may additionally include a transmissive spacer coupled to the substrate, and a lens coupled to the transmissive spacer and optically aligned with the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior rear-view mirror comprising an adjustably held glass subassembly and at least one electrical drive motor (2), with the glass subassembly being adjustable via at least one adjustment mechanism arranged between the drive motor (2) and the glass subassembly. The adjustment mechanism comprises a drive shaft (7, 8) with an eccentrically shaped shaft section (9, 10) and a drive bar (12, 13) arranged between the glass subassembly and the eccentrically shaped shaft section (9, 10) of the drive shaft (7, 8). The drive shaft (7, 8) and the drive bar interact in such a way that a rotatory actuating movement of the drive shaft (7, 8) is converted to a linear actuating movement, acting on the glass subassembly, of the drive bar (12, 13) as a result of excursion of the eccentrically shaped shaft section (9, 10).

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focussing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focussing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: A micromachined apparatus for reflecting light is described that is designed to reduce losses in quality or intensity of light. Mirrors are used having lengths that are longer than their widths to reduce clipping of light when a mirror is located at an angle with respect to light falling thereon. Relatively long mirror torsion components are used to reduce forces required to pivot the mirrors. Regardless of the dimensions of the mirrors and the use of long torsion components, the mirrors are still located relatively close to one another. The relatively close positioning of the mirrors is due to a combined use of notches formed in support frames to which the torsion components are secured, oval shapes of the mirrors which take up less space than rectangular shapes, matching oval openings in the support frames, and the arrangement of the support frames in a non-rectangular array wherein tips of the support frames are located between one another.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for precision positioning and alignment of a lens in an optical system, wherein a first support for coupling to the peripheral edge of the lens is connected to a concentric second support using a plurality of positioning devices. At least one positioning device is configured to move the first support in an axial direction relative to the second support. Each positioning device comprises a lever, an actuator, and a flexure. The lever has a pivot point and is mounted on the second support. The actuator is connected to the lever and used to operate the lever about its pivot point. The flexure has a first end connected to the lever between the actuator and the pivot point. A second end of the flexure is connected to the first support. A second positioning device is used to move the first support relative to the second support in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A mirror surface angle adjusting device is provided which can be used at both left and right outer mirror devices of a vehicle. At a mirror driving unit, positional relationships between respective points (fulcrum of swinging A1 and A2, first adjusting points B1 and B2, second adjusting points C1 and C2, first mounting points D1 and D2, second mounting points E1 and E2, and third mounting points F1 and F2) are set such that the points have line symmetry with respect to 45° direction reference lines P1, P2. Accordingly, from a functional standpoint as well, there are no obstacles at a time of mounting, and as a result, a same type of mirror driving unit can be used at both a left door mirror device and a right door mirror device.

Abstract: Apart from a frame (10) that may be formed of parts mutually free to move in translation, the mirror support comprises a lever (29) suspended from a console (28) by springs (30) and position adjustment screws (33,34) to apply the required orientation with excellent precision; the mirror is attached to this lever. It may be fitted on a rotating tray to put it into the required angular position. This invention is applicable to oscillating laser cavity mirrors because the position of the mirror may be adjusted with extreme accuracy and fixed reliably.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle has a mirror plate set including a mirror plate and a rear cover, a moving mechanism for the mirror plate set and including a bearing/electric motor set, a housing in which the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set are accommodated, a base with which the housing is connected in an articulated manner, the base being fixable to a side of a vehicle, the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set being directly fixed with one another with the use of parts including one part provided in the mirror plate set and another part provided in the bearing/engine set and connectable with the one part.

Abstract: A field-of-view switching and focusing system of a common-optical-path periscope, having an aspherical reflecting mirror system, a field-of-view driving system and a focus driving system. The field-of-view driving system and the focus driving system are located at two sides of the aspherical reflecting mirror system. The field-of-view driving system allows the aspherical reflecting mirror system to rotate, thereby, different curved faces of the aspherical reflecting mirror can reflect the incident light, so that the field of view can be switched. Further, by a linear movement of the aspherical reflecting mirror system driven along the optical path by the focus driving system, the focus fine adjustment is performed.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A side view mirror including a multiplexor chip, NTC thermistor within the housing. The multiplexor controls multiple functionality from the housing and provides simplified LIN bus connection to the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly blowmolded carrier for vehicles and method of blowmolding the carrier are provided. The mirror assembly has a blowmolded carrier with a hollow space and a recess to affix a mirror element.

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is constructed to fit onto a mirror housing of an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The device, upon installation, displays a desired indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirrored surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Variations in structure are provided. Preferred embodiments provide for removal of the device without harm to the mirror housing, and also provide for ready change-out of indicia. The invention also relates to kits and methods employing embodiments of the device.

Abstract: A spring having four urging legs is fixed in a stay of a mirror, and retention pawls corresponding to the urging legs are formed at a base fixed within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The urging legs engage with the retention pawls so that the stay is held at the base at a predetermined load. Because the four urging legs are provided on the spring, an urging force of the respective urging legs can be made small and bending of the urging legs is unobstructed by other members. Accordingly, when a load of predetermined value or greater acts upon the mirror, the urging legs corresponding to the direction in which the load acts slide and the engagement between all of the urging legs and the retention pawls is released. The mirror is allowed to fall regardless of the direction in which the load acts.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable in a travel direction of the vehicle and in a direction opposite to the travel direction. The mirror base has first and second bearings and the mirror head has first and second bearing elements engaging the first and second bearings, respectively. The first and second bearing elements are configured such that, when the mirror head pivots in the travel direction, the first bearing elements disengage the first bearings and the second bearing elements form a pivot axis within the second bearings and, when the mirror head pivots in the direction opposite the travel direction, the second bearing elements disengage the second bearings and the first bearing elements form a pivot axis within the first bearings.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism, in particular for driving a motor vehicle rearview mirror. The actuating mechanism includes a housing, at least one electric motor, which is arranged therein and whose output shaft is drive-coupled to a reducing gear, driving an actuating mechanism, and a plug shaft, which is designed as one piece with the housing and into which a connecting plug can be plugged. Different types of contacting are possible with a housing shape and there is always the guarantee of a strain relief for the supply and/or control lines. Additional relief strain devices, which are not one piece with the housing and which can be plugged into the plug shaft and locked with the housing and which can accommodate at least two supply and/or control lines in one area, are at a distance from the line ends and holds the line ends so as to resist tension.

Abstract: The device according to the invention is characterized in that a toothed rack (7) is articulated to the mirror foot (2) into which a toothed wheel (6) engages which is moved by a drive (5) fastened to the mirror frame (1). The mirror frame (1) is also articulated to the mirror foot (2) via an intermediate joint (8) articulated via a second rotating axle (10) different from the first. A hooked spring (12) which locks the mirror frame (1) to the mirror foot (2) enables the mirror frame (1) to move between two predetermined positions. The mirror frame can be moved from any position thereof by the drive (5) into the two positions and between the two positions.

Abstract: An electrically adjustable external rear view mirror (1) for a motor vehicle with a mirror element (4), a housing (3) and a mirror base (2) which may be fixed to the motor vehicle. The mirror element (4) and the housing (3) are rigidly connected together and an adjustment gear (5) which may be driven by at least one electric motor (10, 11) is arranged between housing (3) and mirror base (2).

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: A rear and side view mirror device for allowing one to inspect one's ear for certain buildup of wax and dirt. The rear and side view mirror device includes an elongate support assembly including an elongate support member having ends; and also includes connectors being pivotally attached to the elongate support assembly; and further includes mirror members being pivotally attached to the connectors.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror support, a mirror housing, and a ball joint having a ball head, wherein mirror housing and the mirror support are connected to one another by the ball joint. At least one electrically operated component is mounted in the mirror housing and has an electrical line connected to a power source for supplying electric current to the at least one electrically operated component. The ball head has at least one slot located laterally in a side of the ball head. The slot allows lateral passage of the electric line into the ball head.

Abstract: A reflecting panel adjusting mechanism includes a support means for supporting a reflecting panel 1 at three points through spherical bearing units (7a, 7b and 7c) rotatable in all directions on axes (6a, 6b and 6c) turning only in the radial direction, the support means having turning arms (8a, 8b and 8c), etc; and jacks (9a, 9b and 9c) for moving the turning axes of the support means vertically; wherein inclination and height of the reflecting panel are adjusted.

Abstract: An outside mirror system for a vehicle such as a car or truck comprising a mirror housing unit having a pair of reflective element rotatably mounted from a central point and rotatable between a position exposing a nighttime mirror and a position exposing a daytime mirror. The mirrors are attached in an I-beam configuration with a connecting beam provided between the two mirrors at a right angle.