Abstract: A power unit is attached on one end of a stay as an angle adjustment mechanism, with a mirror holder that has a configuration of housing mounted on the power unit to be capable of tilting, while the mirror holder holds the mirror body and the power unit is housed in a chamber defined by the mirror body and the mirror holder, so that the mirror body and the mirror holder are tilted with respect to the stay and the power unit by the power unit, thereby adjusting the angle. Thus a mirror housing, that contains the power unit, of the prior art located on the fixed side together with the power unit and the stay is eliminated and, instead, the mirror holder having a configuration of housing is installed together with the mirror body on the tilting side.

Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

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: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror for hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror for proper viewing. Once adjusted, the mirror angle does not normally require further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to either panel or assembly when the assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against an adjacent wall. Similarly, mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage when the assembly is secured to a wall and an adjacent door is opened against the mirror panel. The mirror panel rotates from its protected position back to its preset viewing angle without intervention by user. The invention includes mounting and support elements which permit the assembly to be removably mounted over top edge of a door without tools.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle includes a mirror element, a housing and a mirror foot fastenable to the motor vehicle. At least one electrical function element, in particular a contacting element, is provided in the outside rear view mirror. In order in a simple manner to protect the function element (9, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31) from moisture and dirt, there is provided in the outside rear view mirror (1) a sealable chamber (5), in which the electrical function element (9, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31) may be disposed.

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 interior rearview mirror for vehicles has a housing having an interior. A mirror support has a first end and a second end, wherein the housing is connected to the first end of the mirror support and wherein the first end projects into the interior of the housing. A mirror pane is mounted in an opening of the housing. A switching member is mounted in the interior of the housing and is pivotable on the first end of the mirror support. An adjusting lever is mounted in the housing and projects from the housing. At least one spring is configured to act on the adjusting lever. The adjusting lever is movable against a force of the at least one spring and acts on the switching member for pivoting the mirror pane from a normal viewing position into a non-glare position. The switching member receives the force of the at least one spring exerted onto the adjusting lever and thus prevents deformation of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fender rearview mirror for an automotive vehicle which can be later attached in an easy and quick manner by a nonprofessional even in a vehicle using a door sideview mirror and satisfies a safety standard, such door sideview mirror being constituted by a mirror portion (1), a mounting seat portion (2) and a leg portion (3) therebetween, the mirror portion (1) forming a cylindrical base portion (8) which has an open lower portion on one side of a mirror cover (4) commonly serving as a hood; the mounting seat portion (2) can be gripped and fixed by a fastening bolt (13) with holding a frontward side edge portion (10) of a bonnet (9); the leg portion (3) rotatably engaging an upper portion with the cylindrical base portion (8) of the mirror portion (1) and forming a lower end surface in a cylindrical shape supported on the mounting seat portion (2); a tension coil spring (14) being provided so that an upper end portion (15) thereof may be engaged with an integral portion (17) of

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making very small curvature modifications of the reflective surface of a mirror in a printer raster scanning system for bow correction of the scanning beam by gripping edges of the mirror to bend it with a gripping system and applying a very small movement thereto by gross rotation of screw shaft of a differential screw system operatively connected to that gripping system. The screw shaft has two separate fine screw thread patterns of slightly different screw pitches causing gross rotation of the screw shaft to only move the mirror gripping system and its engaged portion of the mirror by micro-meter amounts by automatically subtracting the two slightly different screw pitches from one another, thus providing very small, easily controlled, deformation of the mirror plane for bow correction by non-critical gross rotation of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A adjustable rear view mirror apparatus for viewing around objects being towed. The adjustable rear view mirror apparatus includes a mirror assembly and a mounting arm assembly. The mirror assembly has a mirror housing. The mirror housing has a front side and a back side. The front side has an opening therein to permit viewing into an interior of the mirror housing. The mirror housing has a peripheral wall integrally coupled to and extending between the front and back sides. A mirror for viewing objects rearward of the automobile is mounted in the housing and is located generally adjacent to the opening. The mounting arm assembly for mounting the mirror housing to the automobile comprises an elongate member and a sleeve. The elongate member has a peripheral wall extending between a first and a second end. The first end is mounted to the automobile. A sleeve receives the second end of the elongate member. The sleeve is fixedly mounted to the back side of the mirror housing.

Abstract: A laser sensor holder apparatus for enabling a power sensor to be held in the path of a laser beam to measure the beams power comprises a base unit including a mounting frame, and translation stages to enable the movement of a sensor mounting plate to a desired position in the path of a laser beam. The apparatus is useful in measuring the power of a laser beam. Applications of the apparatus include its use in direct imaging systems whereby the previous method of manually holding a power sensor in the path of a class 4 laser and all of its inherent disadvantages may be avoided.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a first mirror attached externally to the vehicle for providing a side rear view along a side of the vehicle to a driver of the vehicle, and a second mirror attached internally to the vehicle to a roof-supporting column of the vehicle for providing a blind spot view to the driver, with the first and second mirrors being separately adjustable. Another embodiment includes a third mirror attached externally to the vehicle for providing a side rear view along another side of the vehicle to the driver of the vehicle, and a fourth mirror attached internally to the vehicle to another roof-supporting column of the vehicle for providing a blind spot view to the driver, with the third and fourth mirrors being separately adjustable.

Abstract: In an adjustable rearview mirror, especially an outside mirror, for a motor vehicle, whereby a first element (1) is affixable to the vehicle and a second element (2), rotatably attached to the first element (1), has or forms a mount for a mirror (4), whereby the two elements (1, 2) are designed as dish-shaped elements (1, 2) that nest with one another at least partially and are guided or bear against one another via outside and inside areas of contact forming a segment of a spherical surface and whereby a drive (6) is provided between the first and the second element (1, 2) is proposed, characterized in that the outer element (2) is designed on part of its inner surface with a gear-tooth system extending along a circular section of the inner surface of the outer element (2), with which a pinion (8) of a drive (6) mounted in the inside of the inner element (1) meshes for adjustment of the outer element (2) relative to the inner element (1), by which means can be achieved with a simple construction a design tha

Abstract: A motor-adjustable rear-view mirror has a housing, a mirror glass assembly, at least one mirror adjustment drive that effects alignment of the mirror adjustment drive to the reinforcement plate, in which the fastening device has at least one section for transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals to the mirror adjustment drive.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflector device and a reflector system for mounting to a vehicle having front and rear seats to allow a person in the front seat to view an infant in a rearwardly facing safety seat attached to the rear seat. The reflector system includes a pair of reflector devices of which one may be in accordance with the invention. The reflector device in accordance with the invention is mountable upright on a back of the rear seat and includes a mounting assembly and a reflector with a forwardly-facing reflecting surface pivotally connected to the mounting assembly so as to be pivotable in three-dimensions. The reflector device is preferably mounted to one side of the infant and has an upward extent below the rear window of the vehicle so as not to obstruct a driver's view through the rear window and to not present a hazard to the infant.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body, and a case, in which a reflective member is pivotally mounted. A lead screw is mounted in the bracket. A pair of arms projecting laterally from the reflective member beyond the periphery thereof and have ridge formations which engage with the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw causes angular movement of the reflective member.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing micromechanical devices. The process includes the step of covering the activation circuitry (201) and those parts of the device that come in contact with moving parts with a pad film (202). The pad film prevents frictional wear and sticking of the moving parts, and can prevent electrical shorts between different parts of the activation circuitry. Additionally, the pad film can prevent particulates from interfering with the operation of the device.

Abstract: A mirror housing is formed of two colors in a two-stage molding process. An inlay of the first color is inserted into a mold, and plastic of a second color is molded to surround the inlay. In this way, a two-toned mirror housing is formed without the necessity of painting or masking.

Abstract: A manually adjustable mirror (1) comprising a mirror foot (4) and a mirror housing (2). The mirror housing (2) is rotatably connected to the mirror foot (4) by a fastening member (11) such that the mirror housing (2) is rotatable about at least two axes. Two transducers (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) are disposed within the mirror housing (2). Two corresponding operation elements (10, 10a, 10b, 17) are mounted within the mirror housing (2) and moveable relative to the mirror housing (2). The operation elements (10, 10a, 10b, 17) are selectively engageable with the transducers (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) to move the transducers (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) in response to movement of the mirror housing (2). The transducers (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) can then detect the relative movement of the mirror housing (2) to the mirror foot (4).

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly is provided for use on a vehicle which includes a rearview mirror, a wiper assembly and adjusters for the mirror. The wiper assembly includes a wiper arm base located behind the mirror assembly extending over the top of the mirror to attach to a resilient wiper arm having a wiper blade. The wiper arm base is attached to a threaded rod which, upon bi-directional rotation of the rod, causes the wiper arm base to laterally traverse across the mirror assembly, which in turn drives the wiper blade across the mirror. The adjusters are used to adjust the angular position of the mirror, or the entire mirror assembly, by utilizing spirally threaded rods which rotate bi-directionally to push or pull the mirror about certain pivot points.

Abstract: A new ear mirror for permitting self-examination of an ear by a user. The inventive device includes a handle and a reflective member. A pivot arm is outwardly extended from the reflective member and is pivotally coupled to the handle.

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 support device for temporarily supporting a mirrored surface from flat or uneven surfaces on a tow vehicle, the tow vehicle having a towing coupling, the device being temporarily mountable near the tow attachment in order to allow the viewing of the towing coupling while connecting the towing coupling to an object to be towed. The support device includes a mirror, a support for holding the mirror about an axis. The support being connected a first leg having a first section and a second section, the first section being connected to the second section by a hinge that allows pivoting of the first section relative to the second section from a first position where the second section is proximate to the mirror and a second position where the second section extends away from the mirror, the first section being releaseably attachable to the axial support. The second section further includes a support for attaching the second section to a surface of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A movable mirror supporting mechanism for supporting a movable mirror forming a part of an interferometric measurement system and having a rectangular cross-section onto an object, with a reflecting surface of said movable mirror being arranged normal to a measuring direction. The movable mirror supporting mechanism includes at least two fixtures for securing the movable mirror from above onto respective movable mirror supporting portions provided on the object. Positions on the movable mirror at which the movable mirror is secured onto the measuring object by the fixtures are defined to be out of that area of the reflecting surface of the movable mirror which is utilized for interferometric measurement.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A mirror recoil preventing device suitable for a camera has a mirror and a mirror support frame. The mirror support frame movably supports the mirror in movement from a first position to a second position. In a camera having a photographic lens and a range finding element, the mirror guides light from the photographic lens to the range finding element when positioned at the second position. As a first alternative, the mirror support frame has a U-shaped groove at one end thereof. A regulating member is located in the vicinity of the second position to engage with the U-shaped groove when the mirror support frame is at the second position. As a second alternative, the mirror support frame has a leading edge and a trailing edge such that in movement from the first position to the second position, the trailing edge trails the leading edge. A first regulating member is located to be immediately adjacent to the leading edge of the mirror support frame when the mirror support frame is at the second position.

Abstract: An automobile mirror assembly in which a value of resistance of a rotary variable resistor with an actuator that is driven to rotate by a mirror push-pull operation shaft being moved in its axial direction at time of adjusting a posture of a mirror in the assembly, varies generally linearly when the mirror push-pull operation shaft moves linearly in the axial direction. The mirror push-pull operation shaft has a flat rear end face, and the actuator has one end that forms arc-shaped in which the flat rear end face thereof contacts the one end thereof, and in which the other end of the actuator is fixed to a rotation shaft of the rotary variable resistor. The arc of the arc-shaped one end of the actuator is included within a revolving plane within which the actuator is rotated.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror has a mirror head carrier and a mirror connected to the mirror head carrier. A cover is slipped onto the mirror head carrier. A spring secures the cover to the mirror head carrier in an unstressed position of the spring. The spring has at least one locking member and the cover has a counter locking member, wherein the at least one locking member engages the counter locking member to secure the cover at the mirror head carrier. The spring has a securing latch securing the spring in an elastically compressed position, wherein the spring in the elastically compressed position releases the cover.

Abstract: An automatic tilting side view mirror comprising a housing, a mirror pivotally connected to the housing, and a solenoid link pivotally connected to both the mirror and the housing. The solenoid link moves the mirror from a normal viewing position to its antiglare viewing position when the driver manually shifts the rear view mirror to an anti-glare viewing position or when the rear view mirror is automatically shifted to an anti-glare viewing position.

Abstract: An array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprises an active matrix, an array of M.times.N thin film actuating structures, and an array of M.times.N mirror layers for reflecting light beams, each of the mirror layers further including a first side, a second opposing side and a center portion located therebetween, wherein the first side and the second opposited side of each of the mirror layers are secured on top of the first and second actuating parts of each of the actuating structures, respectively, such that when the first and second actuating parts in each of the actuating structures deform in response to an electrical signal applied between the first and second electrodes, the center portion of the corresponding mirror layer tilts while remaining planar, thereby allowing all of the center portion to reflect the light beams, resulting in an increased optical efficiency.

Abstract: A housing member for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides integral weather seals and noise dampeners. The weather seals and noise dampeners are injection molded with or onto a base wall of the housing member to thereby form seals and dampeners that have superior adhesion or mechanical retention to the housing member and, therefore, are not subject to degradation from noise. In addition, the integral seals and dampeners reduce the time and cost of assembling and servicing the actuator assembly. The housing member includes a base wall, and a sidewall which connects to the base wall and extends around the perimeter of the base wall. The side wall includes connectors for securing the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: A mounting assembly (10) for a vehicle interior rearview mirror (12) of the automatic dimming type includes a vehicle mount (14) having a rearwardly projecting first ball portion (22), a tube (32) having a first end that receives the first ball portion and a second end including a rearwardly projecting second ball portion (38) fixed with respect to the tube and having a wire hole (40) therethrough, a ball clamp (44) within the tube for engaging the first ball portion (22), a helical spring (46) for biasing the ball clamp to a clamping relationship with the first ball portion, and a mirror socket (48) for receiving and clamping the second ball portion. The tube (32) of the mounting assembly and the first ball portion (38) are unitary in one embodiment, while another embodiment has the tube (32') and second ball portion (38') provided with flanges (52) and (54) that are biased into engagement with each other by the helical spring (46).

Abstract: A dual state mirror assembly for use with motor vehicles includes a housing having an open front for receiving an outer substrate to form an enclosure. The outer substrate has a surface coated with a thin metal film to act as a beam splitter. An inner substrate having a reflective front surface is mounted within the enclosure so that in a first position, the inner substrate is in direct contact with the outer substrate, to produce a single bright reflected image, and so that in a second position, the inner substrate is placed at an angle with respect to the outer substrate, to provide a dimmed image and to minimize glare.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for automobile vehicles comprising a mirror plate, a regulating mechanism for positioning of said mirror plate, a casing accommodating said mirror plate and said regulating mechanism, a base supporting said casing and placeable on a side of an automotive vehicle, a tilting mechanism for tilting said casing which accommodates said mirror plate and said regulating mechanism and for stabilization of said casing in a position of use and in a tilted position, means for joining said casing with relation to said base around substantially vertical axis, a device for stabilization of said casing in the position of use and in the tilted position, and positioning elements including a support and a connection surface for said support provided in said casing and in said base correspondingly so as to ensure a locking pressure between a base flange and a structural element of the casing.

Abstract: A rear view exterior mirror mount assembly for a vehicle includes a sealing device that seals off an interface between the mirror mount and a moveable shell to eliminate wind noise. The shell can be pivoted relative to the remainder of the vehicle from a normal viewing position to a folded position. In the normal viewing position, the interface between the shell and the mirror mount includes a gap that is sealed off by a sealing member in the form of a resilient gasket. The sealing member includes a mounting surface that preferably is adhesively secured to a contoured surface on the shell. At least one lip member extends away from the mounting surface and across the gap at the interface between the shell and the mirror mount when the mirror is in the normal viewing position.

Abstract: A non-distorting auxiliary rear view vision enhancing assembly which attaches onto an existing automotive interior main rear view mirror. The assembly comprises an auxiliary mirror shell having a front and back side with a non-distorting mirror placed on the front side, and a connecting arm connected to the back side of the auxiliary mirror shell for attaching the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror. In turn, the connecting arm has a ball joint pivot at substantially one end of the connecting arm and attached to the mirror shell. This provides for angular rotation of the mirror shell in the left and right, as well as the up and down tilt position. A spring loaded clamp is placed at substantially the end of the connecting arm opposite the ball joint pivot, for attachment of the connecting arm and the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror.

Abstract: An optical variable power module has a movable lens unit slidably mounted on a chassis, such that the lens unit is moved along an optical axis defined thereby, and a movable mirror unit slidably mounted on the chassis, such that the mirror unit is moved along the optical axis of the lens unit. The movable mirror unit has a frame, a pair of supporting plates shiftably attached to the frame, and at least one mirror supported by the supporting plates. The chassis has a pair of abutment faces formed thereon such that the supporting plates can be abutted against the abutment faces. The abutment faces define a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit, whereby the supporting plates are shifted with respect to the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the mirror supported by the supporting plates is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit.

Abstract: A housing for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides an improved electrical distribution system that eliminates loose wires, most connections, and the need for a seal between the housing and its external connections to a vehicle power supply. The housing includes a housing member supporting at least one actuator motor for driving at least one mirror element positioning member. The positioning member extends from the housing member to engage the mirror element's backing plate. The motor is powered from the vehicle power supply through the electrical distribution system which is molded with the housing member. Preferably, the electrical distribution system includes a plurality of leads that are electrically coupled at their distal ends to a plurality of external connectors, which extend out of the housing member for external connection to the vehicle power supply.

Abstract: An evaluation tool for viewing local and remote irregularities in a turf surface. The tool includes a body structure having first and second turf engaging surfaces for supporting the body structure upon the turf surface in first and second inspection orientations. The tool further includes a reflector element to provide a view of a local turf segment to a user viewing from above when the body is in the first inspection orientation and a view of a remote turf segment when in the second inspection orientation. Indicia may be provided upon the tool for indicating vertical distances.

Abstract: The preferred towing extension mirror apparatus includes a support strap, an extension mirror coupled with one end thereof, and coupling assemblies for coupling the strap with the side mirror assembly of the vehicle adjacent the rear side of the side mirror housing. One coupling assembly couples the strap with the side mirror housing on the outboard side of the side mirror, and the other coupling assembly couples with a support rod extending from the vehicle adjacent the inboard side of the side mirror housing.

Abstract: An array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprises an active matrix, an array of M.times.N thin film actuating structures, each of the thin film actuating structures being provided with a first and a second actuating parts, each of the first and second actuating parts including at least a thin film layer of a motion-inducing material, a pair of electrodes, each of the electrodes being provided on top and bottom of the motion-inducing thin film layer, an array of M.times.N supporting members, each of the supporting members being used for holding each of the actuating structures in place by cantilevering each of the actuating structures and also for electrically connecting each of the actuating structures and the active matrix, and an array of M.times.

Abstract: A mirror support structure for mounting at the rear of a vehicle to support a mirror for convenient viewing of a trailer hitch element positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The trailer hitch can be observed while the observer is seated in the vehicle driver's seat. The mirror support structure includes a mounting member adapted to engage with and be supported by a surface at the rear of the vehicle, and a support arm that is slidably carried by the mounting member and that is positioned at an acute angle relative to the vehicle surface. A mounting arrangement is provided for securing a convex mirror to the support arm.

Abstract: A dual state mirror assembly for use with motor vehicles includes a housing having an open front for receiving an outer substrate to form an enclosure. The outer substrate has a surface coated with a thin metal film to act as a beam splitter. An inner substrate having a reflective front surface is mounted within the enclosure so that in a first position, the inner substrate is in direct contact with the outer substrate, to produce a single bright reflected image, and so that in a second position, the inner substrate is placed at an angle with respect to the outer substrate, to provide a dimmed image and to minimize glare.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly is provided for motor vehicles, particularly commercial trucks. A housing defines an interior volume and at least one mirror glass assembly is removably attached to the open front side of the housing. A non-rotatable longitudinal support rod extends completely through the interior volume of the housing in a longitudinal vertical direction. Portions of the support rod extend from the housing at the top and bottom thereof for attaching the mirror to a support structure of the motor vehicle. The housing is manually or remotely rotatable relative to the longitudinal support rod.

Abstract: An adjustable auxiliary rear-view mirror mounting structure including two inner arms fastened to two opposite sides of the rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle, two outer arms pivoted to the inner arms to hold a lamp socket and mirror assembly, and binding means connected between the inner arms, wherein the inner arms have a respective toothed wall portion horizontally disposed at one end and a screw hole at the center of the toothed wall portion thereof; the outer arms have a respective toothed wall portion vertically disposed at one end and a screw hole at the center of the toothed wall portion thereof; each of the connectors has a toothed horizontal coupling section at one end detachably meshed with the toothed wall portion of one inner arm, a first through hole at the center of the toothed horizontal coupling section and fixed to the screw hole of the second end of one inner arm at the desired angle by a first screw and a first nut, a toothed vertical coupling section at an opposite end detachably meshed w

Abstract: An improved gear train for the adjustment structure in a mirror includes a slip clutch disk connection that allows a pinion gear to rotate relative to an intermediate gear reduction. The pinion gear is engaged to rotate a rack, and the rack is connected to the mirror to adjust the position of the mirror. The rack is spring biased into engagement with the pinion, thus insuring that the two move with each other quietly and smoothly. The rack can be biased into engagement with the pinion gear, since it need not be able to slip relative to the pinion gear, as was the case in the prior art. The clutch disk allows the pinion gear to move with the rack when the mirror is manually adjusted. The inventive clutch disk is relatively simple, including a clutch drive gear rotatably journaled on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is fixed to rotate with the pinion gear. A spring biases a friction face of the clutch drive gear into engagement with the clutch disk, which also rotates with the pinion gear.

Abstract: There is provided an array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprising an active matrix, an array of M.times.N thin film actuating structures, each of the thin film actuating structures including at least a thin film layer of a motion-inducing material, a pair of electrodes, each of the electrodes being provided on top and bottom of the thin film motion-inducing layer, an array of M.times.N supporting members, each of the supporting members being used for holding each of the actuating structures in place by cantilevering each of the actuating structures and also for electrically connecting each of the actuating structures and the active matrix, and an array of M.times.N mirrors for reflecting light beams, each of the mirrors being placed on top of each of the actuating structures.

Abstract: An outside mirror for a motor vehicle. The mirror glass 4 is divided by an approximately horizontally extending separating line 7 into an upper mirror surface 5 and a lower mirror surface 6. The mirror surface 5 which cannot be swivelled about the approximately vertically extending axis 9 is constructed to be swivellable about an axis 8 which extends approximately horizontally in the proximity of the separating line 7. As a result, it is possible during a passing maneuver to view the rearward traffic over a long distance.

Abstract: A motor actuated foldable vehicle outside rearview mirror which can also be manually folded to and from the service position. A first friction coupling is provided between one of the motor actuated parts and the mirror carrier. A second friction coupling is provided to detent the service position. Stops are provided on the mirror carrier and base to limit forward and rearward folding. A third friction coupling is provided which is active in the service position to provide greater resistance to forward folding than to rearward folding. Stationary concentric contact strip are provided on the carrier and moveable wipers on the stationary strips provide switching for energizing the motor on the carrier for powering folding.

Abstract: A directional light screen and method of making the same are provided. The directional screen includes a plurality of transparent carrier members having opposing sides, the carrier members being arranged in a side-by-side manner. Thin lamellae can be placed between the carrier members, or the carrier members can be spaced by an air gap. The screen is mountable proximal to a light source. The screen directs light from the source in a direction generally parallel to the sides and lamellae. The sides can be smooth, roughened or contoured. Also, the lamellae can desirably be tinted, absorbing or reflective. Furthermore, the directional screen can be shaped to fully or partially surround a light source.